Latest news with #CityMontessoriSchool
India Today
17 hours ago
- Science
- India Today
With love from Lucknow: Meet Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla headed to space
In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to become the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS).Slated for launch on 8 June 2025 as the pilot of Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), Shukla's journey signifies India's reentry into human spaceflight after more than four decades. He will pilot the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft and dock with the ISS on a 14 day mission. advertisementEarly Life and Career Born on 10 October 1985 in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla's fascination with the skies began at City Montessori School, his aspirations took flight following the 1999 Kargil War, inspiring him to pursue a career in the armed forces. At 16, he applied to the National Defence Academy (NDA) without informing his parents, a decision that set him on a path to the into the Indian Air Force (IAF) as a fighter pilot on 17 June 2006, Shukla has amassed over 2,000 hours of flight experience across various aircraft, including the Su-30MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Hawk. Gp Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla during a medical test. (Photo: IAF) advertisementHis expertise led him to become a test pilot and a Fighter Combat Leader, roles that show his proficiency and dedication and the bravery to fly in systems never tested before, take them to the limit and make them Selection and TrainingShukla's journey to space was formalised in 2019 when he was selected for India's Gaganyaan underwent rigorous training at Russia's Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center, completing it in training at the Astronaut Training Facility in Bangalore and a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering from IISc Bangalore equipped him for the challenges Mission 4: A Collaborative EndeavourAxiom Mission 4 is a big collaboration between Indian space agency Isro, Nasa, and private company Axiom Space. The mission will launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Launch Complex 39A, the historic site of the Apollo 11 mission. Shukla will be part of a four-member crew, including veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson. During his 14-day stay aboard the ISS, Shukla will conduct five scientific experiments in partnership with NASA, focusing on areas such as space agriculture. He will also lead seven experiments designed by he is scheduled to interact with students across India through a live broadcast from the ISS, aiming to inspire the next generation of scientists and Life and LegacyadvertisementShukla is married to Dr. Kamna, a dentist, and they have a son. His family, including his parents and two elder sisters, have been pillars of support throughout his journey. As Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on this historic mission, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. His journey from the classrooms of Lucknow to the vast expanse of space exemplifies the spirit of exploration and the boundless possibilities that lie ahead for India's space Watch
NDTV
3 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
How India And Israel Are Reaching For The Stars
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set for the Axiom 4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), with Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe helping bring the excitement of space to students at the Indian astronaut's school in Uttar Pradesh's Lucknow. The two spacefarers, after an interaction at a gathering in Houston, had envisioned a program that would allow Indian students to experience the thrill of space exploration in real time. "Every year, there's a gathering of astronauts in Houston, where NASA's main human spaceflight centre is based. That's where I met Group Captain Shukla. He told me about his mission, and I shared how we had engaged school children in Israel during my time on the ISS. He immediately suggested we reach out to the City Montessori School in Lucknow," Mr Stibbe said. The City Montessori School is where Mr Shukla studied. Plans are now underway to create a parallel "mission control" experience at the school, allowing students to follow Mr Shukla's journey aboard the ISS, watch live feeds from the station, and participate in interactive educational activities. "The idea is to create programs, materials, and excitement," Mr Stibbe, who was part of the Axiom 1 mission in 2022, said. "We want children to ask questions, to be curious. During the mission, they'll be able to watch Shukla at work on the station-not just during interviews, but through continuous camera feeds that show astronauts floating, working, and living in microgravity. It's super exciting," he said. Mr Stibbe, who funded his private mission to space, is passionate about making space accessible to all. His outreach efforts in Israel reached thousands of students, and he hopes to replicate that success in India. "Whatever we did in Israel, we're now extending a hand of friendship to India," he said. "There's a lot we can learn from each other," Mr Stibbe said. "From the educational system, from the missions, and from the science. We're following India's space program closely and hope for more cooperation." The initiative has the potential to draw attention at the highest levels. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are great friends," Mr Stibbe said. "If they get the opportunity, I'm sure they would be happy to join in. We'll definitely extend an invitation." For Mr Stibbe, the mission is personal. "Watching the Earth from space, seeing the sunrise and sunset - it changes you. You realise how fragile our planet is. That's why I believe in sustainability and in inspiring the next generation to care for our world," he said. "India and Israel," Mr Stibbe said with a smile, "the friendship goes beyond Earth - and on Earth."
NDTV
4 days ago
- Science
- NDTV
From Tel Aviv To Lucknow: How Space Is Uniting India And Israel
As India prepares to send Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom 4 mission, a unique collaboration is unfolding - one that transcends borders, cultures, and orbits. Israeli astronaut Eytan Stibbe, who flew on the Axiom 1 mission in 2022, is now extending a hand of friendship to India, helping bring the excitement of space to school children in Lucknow, the hometown of the Indian astronaut. At the heart of this initiative is the City Montessori School (CMS), where Mr Shukla studied. Inspired by his interaction with Mr Stibbe at an astronaut gathering in Houston, the two spacefarers envisioned a program that would allow Indian students to experience the thrill of space exploration in real time. The Axiom-1 Mission: A Personal Journey Eytan Stibbe's journey to space was unique in many ways. As Israel's second astronaut, he followed in the footsteps of Ilan Ramon, who tragically lost his life in the Columbia disaster in 2003. Mr Stibbe's mission was not just about scientific exploration, it was about reigniting the Israeli public's interest in space. "We, as a first private astronaut mission, were determined to prove that it is possible, it is beneficial, and we should open the way for future private missions," Mr Stibbe said. He added, "It was a challenge because I had to build the whole mission for myself. I had to make the combination of science, education, of art, and build the whole work plan. I had no space agency supporting me, which was an exciting venture." Mr Stibbe's mission included a diverse array of activities, from scientific experiments to educational outreach. "We got ideas from children, from scientists, from philosophers, and assembled a great mission that many, many people in Israel, maybe the whole public was involved in a space mission," he said. A Tribute to Ilan Ramon Mr Stibbe's mission was also a tribute to his friend Ilan Ramon. "Ilan Ramon, the first Israeli astronaut, was on the Columbia STS-107 mission. He was a good friend of mine. We are still in a very close relationship with his family," Mr Stibbe said. "In 2003, they launched in the shuttle Columbia for 14 days in space together with Ms Chawla, an Indian-American, Kalpana Chawla. Yes, and they did a lot of science and educational missions. Unfortunately, they did not come back," he said. The loss of Mr Ramon and his crew left a lasting impact on the Israeli public. "So the Israeli public sentiment toward human space flight was always very delicate. My intention in my mission was to change that sentiment and open again the excitement, the curiosity about space, the amazing possibilities of children and scientists to take part in this International Space Station," Mr Stibbe said. Mr Stibbe's journey to space was driven by a deep personal commitment. "The motivation was really to change the sentiment of the public, to create excitement about space, because space is unknown. It's endless. We are just a small part of space," he said. One of the most profound moments for Mr Stibbe was seeing Earth from space. "Once we are in the station and look back to Earth, I think the most exciting part is to see the atmosphere, the slim strip of 100 kilometers that without this atmosphere, life would not exist on Earth. All life and vegetation exists in these 200 kilometers of oxygen and life," he said. Mr Stibbe's mission was entirely self-funded, a testament to his belief in the value of space exploration. When asked on why he decided to pay from his pocket, Mr Stibbe said, "Because I believe it's worthwhile. It's like a donation. All the industries, the academies, the hospitals, they all benefited from the opportunity to send science to space," he said. The Outreach Mr Stibbe said, "Every year, there's an astronaut gathering in Houston, where NASA's main human spaceflight center is based. That's where I met Group Captain Shukla. He told me about his mission, and I shared how we had engaged schoolchildren in Israel during my time on the ISS. He immediately suggested we reach out to CMS in Lucknow." The idea took off. The CMS management embraced the proposal with enthusiasm, and plans are now underway to create a parallel "mission control" experience at the school. The goal is to allow students to follow Group Captain Shukla's journey aboard the ISS, watch live feeds from the station, and participate in interactive educational activities. "The idea is to create programs, materials, and excitement," said Mr Stibbe. "We want children to ask questions, to be curious. During the mission, they'll be able to watch Shukla at work on the station-not just during interviews, but through continuous camera feeds that show astronauts floating, working, and living in microgravity. It's super exciting," he said. Mr Stibbe is passionate about making space accessible to all. His outreach efforts in Israel reached thousands of students, and he hopes to replicate that success in India. "Whatever we did in Israel, we're now extending a hand of friendship to India," he said. The collaboration is more than just educational - it's deeply symbolic of the growing ties between India and Israel. "There's a lot we can learn from each other," Mr Stibbe noted. "From the educational system, from the missions, and from the science. We're following India's space program closely and hope for more cooperation," he said. The initiative has the potential to draw attention at the highest levels. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi are great friends. If they get the opportunity, I'm sure they would be happy to join in. We'll definitely extend an invitation," Mr Stibbe said. For Mr Stibbe, the mission is personal. "Watching the Earth from space, seeing the sunrise and sunset - it changes you. You realize how fragile our planet is. That's why I believe in sustainability and in inspiring the next generation to care for our world," he said.
Hindustan Times
11-05-2025
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
Education must instil values, nation-first spirit, says Yogi
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday emphasised that education must instil moral values, cultural ethos, and a 'nation-first' spirit. Speaking at the Teachers' Gratitude Ceremony at City Montessori School (CMS) here, he stated, 'The true aim of education is character-building—to lead a life that serves the nation and inspires society, and not just chasing grades.' He stressed that only by aligning education with values and national ideals could we build the foundation of a developed India, and make every citizen safe, prosperous, and self-reliant. He highlighted that in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India), education and educators played a pivotal role in shaping a generation that was not only academically proficient but also morally grounded. Adityanath also felicitated toppers of ICSE and ISC board exams, and the JEE Main exam. Teachers were also honoured at the event. The chief minister recalled the humble beginnings of CMS, founded nearly 70 years ago by Dr Jagdish Gandhi and Dr Bharti Gandhi. Despite limited means as students at Lucknow University, they envisioned quality education for the city. He pointed out that not every student would make it to the merit list, but they could still achieve distinction in fields like sports, arts, and public service. He also highlighted India's ancient Vedic traditions, citing the verse 'Mata Bhumi: Putro'ham Prithivya:' (The Earth is my mother, I am her son) and linked it with the CMS' motto of 'Jai Jagat'. The CM also lauded the students' theatrical presentation of 'Adi Yogi', calling such cultural performances essential for connecting children with their history, traditions, and values. He described the performance as a reflection of India's cultural identity, moving toward the grand celebration of the Mahakumbh. 'Our mythological tales are not just entertainment,' he said, 'but a source of life lessons and values. Such initiatives are crucial to connecting today's generation with their roots.' The event was attended by CMS founder Bharti Gandhi, CMS manager Geeta Gandhi, CMS president Roger Kingdom, treasurer Vinay Gandhi, former DGP Vikram Singh, among others.
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Education must instil ‘nation first' spirit, not just chase grades: CM
1 2 3 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that education must go beyond marks and instil moral values, cultural ethos and a 'nation first' spirit among students and teachers. "The true essence of education is character-building — to lead a life that serves the nation and inspires society, and not just chasing grades," the CM said at the teachers' gratitude ceremony at City Montessori School (CMS).He added, "The foundation of a developed India — a nation where every citizen is safe, prosperous and self-reliant — can be built when education is aligned with values and national ideals."Felicitating the ISC and ICSE merit rank holders and teachers for their exemplary services, Yogi said, "Our PM envisions a 'Viksit Bharat' where education and educators play a pivotal role in shaping a generation that is not only academically proficient but also morally sound. "The CM stressed that not every student will make it to the merit list, but they can still achieve distinction in fields like sports, arts and public service. He recalled the humble beginnings of CMS, founded nearly 70 years ago by Jagdish Gandhi and his wife Bharti Gandhi. "Despite limited means, they envisioned quality education for the city — a dream that today serves thousands of students at CMS," Yogi to PM Modi's remarks, the CM said that 'nation first' should be everyone's core mantra — not just for political leaders, soldiers or civil servants, but for teachers as well. Expressing concern over the misuse of social media, Yogi said, "When youth lack a sense of devotion to the nation, anti-national ideologies begin to take root. Hence, teachers bear the responsibility of not only educating but also sowing the seeds of patriotism and ethics in their students."The CM lauded the students' theatrical presentation of 'Adi Yogi', calling such cultural performances essential for connecting children with their history, traditions and values. "Our mythological tales are not just entertainment, but a source of life lessons and values. Such initiatives are crucial to connecting today's generation with their roots," he said. The event saw participation from CMS founder Bharti Gandhi, CMS manager Geeta Gandhi, CMS pesident Roger Kingdom, former DGP Vikram Singh and city mayor Sushma Kharkwal.
