Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian to journey into space, is inspiring students to reach for the stars, specifically the Moon, with a projected landing by 2040. Upon returning to his alma mater, City Montessori School in Gomtinagar, Lucknow, Shukla addressed the students, emphasizing the significance of perseverance and igniting enthusiasm for space exploration.

Shukla's message underscores India's ambitious space program, which includes the Gaganyaan mission, the establishment of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035, and ultimately, a crewed lunar landing by 2040. Addressing the students, Shukla expressed how their excitement and enthusiasm had invigorated him, erasing his fatigue after his space mission. He noted the students' keen interest in becoming astronauts, viewing it as a testament to their soaring aspirations and the bright future of India's space endeavors.

"We have a vision and a mission to land on the moon by 2040," Shukla stated, encouraging the students to aspire towards this goal. He highlighted that the timing and opportunities are ideal for achieving this ambitious feat.

Shukla's journey to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of NASA's Axiom-4 mission marks a significant step in India's human spaceflight program. He shared the intense experience of the launch, describing the immense power and rapid acceleration involved in reaching space. His experiences in orbit are expected to provide valuable support for the Gaganyaan mission, India's first independent human spaceflight, scheduled for 2027.

During his address, Shukla also emphasized the importance of educating children about India's past and future achievements in space exploration and science. He cited the ancient astronomical text Surya Siddhanta, highlighting India's rich history of astronomical knowledge and accurate calculations dating back to 500 B.C.. He stressed that sharing these accomplishments can inspire children and encourage them to pursue their own paths in space-related fields.

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh noted that the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission has elevated global expectations of India and instilled a sense of self-confidence within the nation. ISRO is also moving forward, and has unveiled the model for the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), with the first module expected to launch by 2028 and become operational by 2035.

Shukla's message from space, sent shortly after docking at the ISS in June 2025, resonated deeply with the nation: "We're back in space after 41 years, and what an amazing ride it's been". His mission signified a carefully planned step toward India's indigenous human spaceflight program. His training and flight on the Ax-4 mission are paving the way for India's first independent crewed launch in 2027 and the lunar mission targeted for 2040.