NDA basks in glory of alumni as astronauts who inspire new space chapters

Time of India

6 hours ago

Pune: The National Defence Academy (NDA)'s legacy saw a new chapter with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla flying aboard the Axiom-4 mission on Wednesday, after the groundbreaking journey of Wing Commander
Rakesh Sharma
— the first Indian to travel to space on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft in 1984.
NDA Commandant Vice-Admiral Gurucharan Singh described the moment as "To space with glory". He told TOI on Wednesday, "The NDA continues to groom future leaders of our Armed Forces and make India Saare Jahaan se Accha in its true sense. His (Shukla's) mission will certainly inspire our cadets, whom we groom and train to face tough challenges and new frontiers."
He said, "The NDA, the cradle of leadership of the Indian Armed Forces, adds another feather to its glorious past and also brings glory to our nation's quest of conquering uncharted territory."
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Former astronaut and NDA alumnus Air Commodore (retd) Ravish Malhotra, who was the standby astronaut for Sharma, told TOI from the UK, "It is a very proud moment for the country and for us all to witness a second Indian go into space. Group Captain Shukla is carrying with him the aspirations, blessings and good wishes of the entire nation."
He said, "A new chapter is being carved in Indian space exploration and our endeavours to conquer space.
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It is after 40 years that India sent its second astronaut into space. I would like to congratulate the Isro team, who worked hard to train our four astronauts, including Shukla."
Malhotra, who met Shukla in Bengaluru last year, said, "Shukla rightly pointed out that his mission is a precursor to our own Gaganyaan mission slated for 2027, and his experience will be very valuable for our human space programme. It is the first time that an Indian astronaut is going up to the ISS and will be conducting experiments.
He will be a pioneer, leading the way for other Indians to follow his example and achievements.
"
NDA honours the bravery of their alumni by giving names to its blocks. One of them has been named Rakesh Sharma Block. It houses departments of computer science, economics, geography and political science.
Group Captain Shukla is from the 108th course of the NDA. He is from the Hunter squadron, known for rigorous physical training.
Shukla was commissioned on June 17, 2006, in the fighter stream of the
Indian Air Force
(IAF). He is a Fighter Combat Leader (FCL) and a test pilot with approximately 2,000 hours of flying experience. He flew a variety of aircraft, including Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier and An-32.
His NDA coursemates describe him as a cool and passionate air warrior. Shukla's NDA coursemate and Commanding Officer of IAF's aerobatic Surya Kiran team, Group Captain Ajay Dasarathi, in a special video message said, "From the skies of India to the frontiers of space, the Surya Kiran team wishes you the best for the mission ahead.
Your journey from the blue skies of India to the boundless expanse of space fills us with immense pride.
"
"Fly high and blaze the trail. Always an air warrior, now a space pioneer. You are an inspiration to every Indian. The entire Surya Kiran team is cheering for you, with hearts full of admiration and respect. May your mission be smooth, your vision be clear, and your return be safe and glorious. Touch the sky and beyond with glory," he added.