ARINDAM GANGULY, OP
Bhubaneswar: The atmosphere at SAI International School crackled with curiosity and excitement Wednesday as students gathered for SAITED, the school’s flagship science and technology festival. But the event soared to an entirely new dimension when ISRO astronaut and Indian Air Force test pilot, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, took the stage to share his extraordinary journey into space.
Shukla described the overwhelming stillness he encountered once he crossed the boundary of Earth’s atmosphere. “When you look down at Earth,” he said, his voice calm but powerful, “you see no borders, no divisions—just one beautiful, blue planet floating in the infinite darkness. It’s humbling. In that moment, you realise that the sky was never the limit. Not for me, and certainly not for Bharat. Our potential is limitless, and if we dare to dream beyond the stars, we can achieve the impossible.”
This year’s theme, “Infinite Possibilities, Endless Realities: Science Beyond the Omniverse!” could not have aligned more perfectly with his message. While the event itself celebrated innovation, it was Shukla’s firsthand account from space that truly ignited the students’ imaginations, urging them to push beyond boundaries, both real and perceived.
During the lively Q&A session that followed, students enthusiastically quizzed the astronaut about life in space. One curious pupil asked what microgravity felt like. Shukla laughed warmly before replying, “At first, it’s like your body forgets how to behave. Even holding a pen becomes a challenge. But soon you adapt—you learn to move slowly, with intention. And once you get the hang of it, it feels like flying—weightless, effortless, free.”
Another student asked him to describe Earth as seen from space. His expression softened as he recalled the sight. “From out there, Earth is silent,” he said. “You don’t hear anything—just stillness. And when you see that fragile, glowing blue sphere hanging in the vastness of space, it changes you. You understand how connected we truly are.”
The event concluded with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi addressing the students, stressing the critical role of science and technology in shaping India’s future. “Our students must embrace science to help build a prosperous India,” he said, reinforcing the spirit of exploration and innovation that defi ned the day.
By the time the session ended, the young audience wasn’t just inspired—they were transformed. Shukla’s journey reminded them that dreams don’t end at the sky; they begin beyond it.
