In 2001, during the vibrant celebrations of his elder sister’s wedding in Lucknow, a young Shubhanshu Shukla made a startling decision. Disregarding the joyous occasion, he discreetly slipped away from home, fully clad in his wedding attire. This unexpected departure left his family in a state of confusion and concern, particularly distressing his father. Hours later, around 11:00 pm, Shubhanshu returned, visibly exhausted and breathless, riding in on a bicycle. Without explanation, he asked his family, “Now tell me what to do,” before seamlessly reintegrating back into the wedding activities.
For a considerable period, his family remained unaware of Shubhanshu’s mysterious absence or the motivations behind it. The truth unraveled only when he successfully cleared the National Defence Academy (NDA) examination, revealing that he had stealthily left home to take the entrance test—a significant milestone that would pave the way for his aspirations to serve the nation.
The young boy’s determination was underscored by his resourcefulness; he had borrowed money from a friend to fund his application, actions that shocked but ultimately filled his family with pride when they learned of his pursuit. His sister, Nidhi Mishra, reminisced about the mix of surprise and pride they felt upon discovering that Shubhanshu’s short-lived disappearance was for a greater ambition.
From an early age, Shubhanshu had been inspired by the events of the Kargil War, which instilled in him a deep desire to join the Indian Air Force. This resolve saw him not only through the rigors of the NDA but also into the cockpit as a fighter pilot. Now, he stands poised on the verge of history as one of India’s astronauts preparing for a mission to the International Space Station.
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla gears up to represent India in space, his journey—from a determined teenager navigating the streets of Lucknow amid wedding festivities to becoming one of the country’s esteemed defence officers—serves as a compelling narrative. His story exemplifies that with focus and belief, even the stars can become attainable goals.
