The session, moderated by Amit Wanchoo, Chief Convenor of the Chinar Book Festival, saw the astronaut simplify complex scientific concepts through engaging anecdotes, videos from his astronaut training and footage from his mission in space. Looking ahead, Shukla spoke about India’s ambitious space programme, including the Gaganyaan mission, plans for an Indian space station and the country’s goal of landing an Indian on the Moon by 2040. He said India’s future in space exploration would be shaped by young people who choose curiosity over self-doubt and encouraged students to dream fearlessly. Former Jamia Hamdard University Vice Chancellor Prof Afshar Alam spoke about the changing language preferences among students under the new education policy. The session was moderated by Prof Ijaz Muhammad Sheikh, former Head of the Department of Linguistics at the University of Kashmir.