Shubhanshu Shukla Inaugurates Aryabhata Gallery at Delhi’s Nehru Planetarium on National Space Day

New Delhi, August 23, 2025:
The Nehru Planetarium in Delhi marked the second National Space Day with the grand opening of its newly renovated Aryabhata Gallery on Saturday. The gallery was inaugurated by Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who made history in July as the second Indian in space and the first to dock at the International Space Station (ISS).

Shukla, visibly emotional at the event, said the gallery represents the bridge between India’s ancient astronomical legacy and its future ambitions in space exploration.

“I thought I was here just to cut the ribbon, but this is much more than that. I could feel the excitement of the nation even when I was in space, and that energy inspired me. Places like this Planetarium are the foundations of our space future. The sky unites us all – and I know that one day, one of you will set foot on the Moon,” Shukla told the gathering.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Addressing students and young space enthusiasts, Shukla encouraged them to take pride in India’s space programme and see themselves as future astronauts, engineers, and scientists. He highlighted missions such as Gaganyaan, the proposed Indian space station, and future lunar expeditions as opportunities awaiting India’s youth.

A Journey Through India’s Space Heritage

Part of the Prime Ministers’ Museum & Library (PMML) renovation project, the Aryabhata Gallery offers visitors an immersive look at India’s astronomical and space journey.

Key highlights include:

The descent capsule of Rakesh Sharma, India’s first cosmonaut
A space suit prepared for backup astronaut Ravish Malhotra
Exhibits tracing astronomy from ancient observatories to ISRO’s landmark missions

Pugalia Chandan Rajendra, CEO (Sangrahalaya & Planetarium), said the gallery was designed as a space for learning and inspiration, celebrating India’s past, present, and future in space exploration.