Republic Day 2026: Ashoka Chakra For IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla
Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday was conferred with the Ashoka Chakra, the country's highest peacetime gallantry honour, by President Droupadi Murmu during the 77th Republic Day celebrations at Kartavya Path.
Shukla travelled to the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission and undertook his space flight in 2025. After Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, he became the second Indian astronaut to travel to space.
He has been honoured for displaying exceptional courage, swift decision-making and unwavering commitment to duty during the mission.
During his stay in space, Shukla conducted several research experiments and also carried out agricultural trials. He successfully cultivated fenugreek and mung beans in space.
