India’s Republic Day celebrations carried a special moment of pride as President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Ashoka Chakra to Group Captain astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla. The nation’s highest peacetime gallantry award recognised his courage, discipline and service during a landmark human spaceflight mission. Announced on Republic Day, the honour marked a historic chapter in India’s space journey and underlined the bravery behind the country’s growing presence beyond Earth.
Ashoka Chakra Awarded to Group Captain Sstronaut Shubhanshu Shukla:
President Droupadi Murmu handed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla the Ashoka Chakra – India’s highest peacetime bravery award during Republic Day celebrations on January 26, 2026. He rocketed to the International Space Station in 2025 on the Axiom-4 mission, becoming the first Indian to set foot there after 18 intense days in orbit. Shubhanshu Shukla grew fenugreek and mung beans in zero gravity, ran cool experiments, and stayed super calm under wild space pressure, making every Indian proud.
From Fighter Pilot to Starman
Before space, Shubhanshu Shukla logged over 2,000 flying hours on jets like Su-30MKI, MiG-21, and Jaguar as a top Indian Air Force pilot. This award is a tribute to his sharp decisions and guts during the mission, 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s space trip. Shubhanshu Shukla received the Ashoka Chakra for extraordinary courage displayed during a high-risk operation. The award is given for acts of valour carried out away from the battlefield, often during counter-terrorism, rescue, or internal security missions.
About the Ashoka Chakra
Instituted in 1952, the Ashoka Chakra is named after the Ashoka Chakra symbol found on India’s national flag. It stands for courage, righteousness, and duty. The award can be given to military personnel, police forces, and civilians for exceptional acts of bravery during peacetime. Recipients of the Ashoka Chakra are remembered not only for their actions but for the values they represent. Calm under pressure, loyalty to duty and courage without expectation of reward.
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