'Space travel an eye-opener', says Shubhanshu Shukla during Lok Bhavan event

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was part of the Axiom space mission to the International Space Station, termed his experience as an eye-opener. He was speaking at a debate organised by the Governor at the Lok Bhavan.

"When we land in our country, we are known by the name of our family. When we go to the next district, we are known by the name of the city we live in. In the next state, we are known by the name of our own state, in another country, we are known by the name of India, and in another continent, we are known by the name of Asia. But when we go to space, we are known by the name of Earth. It will completely change our perspective.

Nobody would feel like returning to Earth. It was a blissful state of no mobile use, laptops or reels. A sneak from the International Space Station gave us a terrific view of Earth. In the space station, you can float without touching the ground. But your heart will be contracting. A ring of carbon dioxide will form around your head. It is a different experience to crash into the sea and fall on the way to Earth.” Shubhanshu Shukla said that India's space station will change the status of the country.

Governor Arlekar presided over the debate on the Youth Road Map to Vikasit Bharat. The program began with floral tributes to the portrait of Bharatamba. Along with the national anthem, Vande Mataram was also played.