Jalandhar, 05.12.25-; Lovely Professional University (LPU) was electrified as India’s celebrated astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, graced the institution for a captivating youth talk. In an event marked by inspiration and grand vision, Group Capt. Shukla shared his extraordinary journey to the stars, leaving an audience of thousands of students, faculty, and staff in awe.

Group Captain Shukla began his address by showcasing a gripping video capturing his year-long journey of training, preparation and launch into space, including rare footage from his 20 days in orbit. The visuals of the rocket ignition, life aboard the space station and the breathtaking view of India and Earth from space left the audience spellbound. He remarked, “If there is one thing my mission taught me, it is the power of collaboration. Different countries, cultures and people worked together for one goal. No space mission is built on individual brilliance alone, but on trust, discipline and teamwork.”

During the interactive session, students posed insightful questions on astronaut training, space startups, national security in space, long-term exploration and tackling self-doubt. Group Captain Shukla was visibly touched when a student shared that his journey had inspired them to choose LPU’s Aerospace Engineering programme as their career path. Group Captain Shukla urged them to focus on real-world problem-solving, disciplined living and thinking beyond conventional career paths.

The event witnessed the gracious presence of senior LPU leadership including Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal, Pro-Chancellor of LPU, Dr. Loviraj Gupta, Vice Pro-Chancellor of LPU, and Dr. Sorabh Lakahanpal, Executive Dean at LPU. Col. Dr. Rashmi Mittal felicitated Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, applauding his remarkable journey as a symbol of India’s growing scientific prowess and a powerful inspiration for the nation’s youth.