Republic Day in India is a commemoration of bravery, unity and national pride. In 2026, the day became even more historic when President Droupadi Murmu awarded the Ashok Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla. His incredible feat of becoming the first Indian ever on the International Space Station (ISS) during the Axiom‑4 mission, combined with his fearless courage and determination, made him a rare recipient of this honour.
Indian space exploration history is full of milestones such as that of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s voyage to the ISS. Though India has honed space accomplishments in missions from ISRO, Shukla's presence aboard the ISS changed this altogether. Shukla joined the International Space Station as a new member of this community; directly contributing to international space research and collaboration with international partners. It was about bravery, discipline and confronting unfamiliar challenges in space. Shukla’s part in the mission showcased the power and capability of Indian professionals on the global stage. His triumph is now engraved on the nation’s mind as a moment of pride and inspiration.
On the occasion of Republic Day 2026, President Droupadi Murmu confers India’s highest peacetime gallantry award, the Ashok Chakra, upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history as the first Indian to set foot on the International Space Station. Group Captain Shukla has… pic.twitter.com/2jRraeYFja
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) January 26, 2026
The Ashok Chakra itself constitutes India's highest peacetime gallantry award, and is given for acts of bravery, courage and self-sacrifice away from the battlefield. By awarding Shukla this honour, the nation recognized that bravery is not limited to combat but is also found in exploration, discovery, and pushing the boundaries of human capability. President Droupadi Murmu’s act of delivering the award on Republic Day imbued the day with symbolic potency. It reminded citizens that bravery is an element of India’s essence whether it’s on the ground or in space.
The Axiom‑4 mission was full of difficulties. Space travel is never routine. It carries danger to life, health, and safety. On the mission, Shukla’s fearless resolve emerged as a standout. He adapted, remained calm in the moment and aided in the success of the mission as a leader. Reports revealed that the reason Shukla was on the ISS at that time was not only to represent India but also to ensure that despite challenges the mission objectives were achieved. Without question, his courage in the face of the unfamiliar and his desire to succeed gave him a place in the Ashok Chakra pantheon.
Shukla does not only fulfill a personal milestone — he is also an inspiration for millions of Indians. Young students who dream of space exploration now have a role model who has shown that Indians can reach the ISS and contribute to global missions. His recognition also solidifies India on the global stage. It demonstrates that India is not only becoming a leader in technology but developing brave, disciplined and excellent people.
The importance of the timing of the award on Republic Day is considerable. Republic Day is also a day to honour the Constitution, the ideals of democracy and the sacrifices of countless Indians who dedicated their lives to building the nation. In commemorating Shukla on this day, India made explicit the link between the bravery of its past and the heroism of the future. It conveyed the message that the country’s heroes are not only soldiers on the battlefield but are also explorers, scientists and leaders who take risks and push boundaries in other fields.
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey to the International Space Station and his recognition with the Ashok Chakra is a pivotal moment in India’s history. His bravery during the Axiom‑4 mission, his tenacity, and his extraordinary feat as the first Indian to have ventured on the ISS make him a true national hero. On Republic Day 2026, India celebrated not only its Constitution but also the spirit of bravery that defines the nation. Shukla's story is proof that courage knows no boundaries—whether on Earth or in space. He is the legacy of his generation which will inspire future generations to dream bigger, aim higher, and believe that with courage and resolve, anything is possible.
