Curiosity and excitement filled the air at Brigade Millennium Apartments in JP Nagar as children interacted with astronauts Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla and Air Commodore Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair during a special community event on Saturday.
Organised by the Millennium Elders Forum, the programme attracted around 100 to 150 residents, including nearly 50 to 70 children eager to learn about life in space. The forum is headed by BN Suresh, Chancellor of the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).
Group Captain Shukla, the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), and Air Commodore Nair, an astronaut-designate for India’s upcoming Gaganyaan mission, spent time answering questions from students and residents.
Children ask about life in space
The interaction quickly turned into an engaging discussion as children asked questions about rockets, shooting stars, astronaut training and life aboard the ISS.
The young participants were keen to know how astronauts prepare for missions, why space capsules land in water, how heat shields are designed and what shooting stars look like from space.
Sharing his experiences, Shukla spoke about travelling to space and living aboard the ISS, offering a fascinating glimpse into the challenges and wonders of space exploration.
Message of curiosity and perseverance
Both astronauts encouraged students to remain curious and pursue their interests with dedication. They emphasised that a willingness to learn, explore and ask questions is essential for success in any field.
Rather than focusing solely on academic achievements, they urged children to enjoy the learning process and stay open to new ideas and opportunities.
The interaction left many young attendees inspired, turning a weekend gathering into a memorable lesson on science, exploration and the limitless possibilities that curiosity can unlock.