CMS Alumnus Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Honoured with the Ashoka Chakra, India’s Highest Peacetime Gallantry Award
City Montessori School congratulates its distinguished alumnus, Gaganyatri Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Shux), on being conferred the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. This prestigious national honour was presented by the Hon’ble President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, in the esteemed presence of the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, during the 77th Republic Day celebrations in New Delhi.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes the Second Indian Astronaut to Receive the Ashoka Chakra
The Ashoka Chakra is a national recognition bestowed upon individuals who demonstrate exceptional courage, selfless service, and unwavering devotion to duty – values that Group Captain Shukla has exemplified throughout his remarkable journey. Living and working nearly 400 kilometres above Earth, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla operated in one of the most demanding environments known to humankind. Every decision required precision, composure, and absolute dedication to duty. Through his leadership and resilience, he upheld India’s honour on an international platform, truly embodying the spirit of this highest peacetime gallantry award.
With this historic milestone, he becomes the second Indian astronaut after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma to be conferred this honour, securing his place among the nation’s most respected heroes and marking a defining chapter in India’s space legacy.
A CMS Alumnus who Created History in Space and Service to Humanity
As the pilot of the Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla created history by becoming the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS). This landmark achievement elevated India’s presence in global space exploration and ignited a wave of inspiration among students and young scientists across the country.
During his mission in microgravity, he conducted critical research in:
- Human physiology and cardiovascular response
- Space anaemia and metabolic health
- Nutrition and cellular behaviour
- Seed germination and plant biology
He also contributed to protein crystal growth research, a field that supports advanced drug development on Earth. These experiments are crucial for strengthening India’s scientific knowledge base and contributing directly to future long-duration human space missions.
Role in Advancing India’s Upcoming Human Spaceflight Mission – Gaganyaan
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is also one of the four Vyomanauts selected for India’s indigenous Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and is set to serve as a Wing Commander for the upcoming mission, once the launch timeline is finalised. His real-time experience aboard the ISS is currently being used to enhance crew safety systems, training modules, and human-machine interface design, bringing India closer to a successful homegrown crewed mission.
An Inspiration for the Nation’s Youth
Shux’s path of excellence started with his distinguished service in the Indian Air Force. Commissioned into the fighter stream in 2006, he went on to become a highly skilled combat pilot with more than 2,000 hours of flying experience on advanced aircraft such as the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, and Jaguar. The discipline, precision, and emotional resilience cultivated in the Indian Air Force laid the foundation for his future role in space exploration.
His journey from CMS classrooms in Lucknow to the cosmos has inspired countless young minds to pursue science, innovation, and service with renewed confidence. Students today see in him a living example that discipline, values, and perseverance can transform dreams into reality.
A Quiet Beginning Shaped by Curiosity
Inspired by the stories of Kargil War heroes and an Indian Air Force airshow, a young Shubhanshu Shukla felt a powerful inner calling to serve the nation. Guided by curiosity and determination, he quietly applied for the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, unaware that this small step would one day lead him beyond Earth itself.
This early spark of inquiry reflects the importance of nurturing curiosity from a young age — the very foundation upon which meaningful education is built. It is this spirit of questioning, exploration, and self-discovery that finds encouragement within the learning environment at City Montessori School, Lucknow.
We, at CMS, believe that education extends far beyond textbooks. Through discussions, scientific models, project-based learning, and value-oriented education, CMS students are guided to discover their interests and recognise their inner strengths, empowering them to dream boldly and walk confidently toward their goals.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s life beautifully reflects CMS’s guiding philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, the world is one family, and the universal call of Jai Jagat. His achievement is not just an individual triumph, but a story of national pride, collective aspiration, and limitless possibility. The CMS family extends its heartiest congratulations on this historic honour and celebrates his remarkable contribution to India and to humankind. May his courage continue to guide and inspire generations, on Earth and beyond.