Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla to get Ashok Chakra for Historic Space Feat

On the eve of Republic Day, the Government of India announced the prestigious Gallantry Awards, honoring the bravery of the nation's soldiers and officers. The highlight of this year's announcement is the conferment of the Ashok Chakra, India's highest peacetime gallantry award, upon Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force. His extraordinary contribution to space exploration and his recent mission to the. International Space Station (ISS) have etched his name in the annals of history.

The Second Indian in Space

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla achieved a monumental milestone by becoming the second Indian citizen to travel to space, following in the footsteps of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. On June 25, 2025, as part of the Axiom-4 mission, Shukla. Blasted off to the ISS along with three other international astronauts. His mission wasn't just a journey but a scientific endeavor that lasted nearly 20 days, while during his stay in the microgravity environment, he conducted over 60 complex experiments ranging from space agriculture to human physiology and advanced technological testing.

A Journey of Excellence: From Lucknow to the Stars

Hailing from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, Shubhanshu Shukla's journey is a testament to perseverance. After clearing the NDA exam post his 12th grade, he joined the Indian Air Force in 2006. His exceptional skills as a pilot led to his selection for India's indigenous 'Gaganyaan Mission' in 2019. His training and expertise were further recognized when he was chosen for the Axiom-4 mission, representing India on a global platform. He returned safely to Earth on July 14, bringing back invaluable data for the Indian scientific community.

Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra Awardees

Apart from the Ashok Chakra, the government announced 3 Kirti Chakras and 13 Shaurya Chakras. The Kirti Chakra recipients include Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, and Group Captain Prashant Balakrishnan Nair. The Shaurya Chakra, awarded for gallantry otherwise than in the face of the enemy, will be presented to heroes like Lieutenant Colonel Ghatge Aditya Sreekumar and Major Anshul Baltu, while these awards recognize the selfless service and immense courage displayed by these individuals in various operations.

Republic Day 2026: Glimpse of Gallantry Awards

President approved gallantry awards for 70 armed forces personnel in total, including:

• Ashok Chakra (1): Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
• Kirti Chakra (3): Major Arshdeep Singh, Naib Subedar Doleshwar Subba, Group Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair
• Shaurya Chakra (13): Lt Col Ghatge Aditya Shrikumar, Major Anshul Baltu, Major Shivkant Yadav, Major Vivek, Major Leishangthem Deepak Singh, Captain Yogendra Singh Thakur, Subedar P H Musa, Lance Dafadar Baldev Chand (posthumous), Rifleman Manglem Sang Vaiphei, Rifleman Dhruba Jyoti Dutta, Lt Cdr Dilna K, Lt Cdr Rupa A, Assistant Commandant Vipin Wilson, and others.

Other awards included Bar to Sena Medal (Gallantry), Sena Medal (Gallantry), Nao Sena Medal (Gallantry), Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry), and more.