Bengaluru Entrepreneur Reveals Interaction with Ashoka Chakra Winner Shubhanshu Shukla
Pixxel founder Awais Ahmed recounts his meeting with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India's second astronaut and recent Ashoka Chakra honoree.
A Bengaluru-based entrepreneur has shared details of his interaction with Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the second Indian astronaut to travel to space and a recent recipient of the Ashoka Chakra, India’s highest peacetime gallantry award. The meeting has drawn attention for offering rare personal insights into the astronaut’s journey and experiences.
Awais Ahmed, founder of Bengaluru-headquartered space technology company Pixxel, recounted the meeting on social media, describing it as a memorable and inspiring exchange. Shubhanshu had travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025 as part of the Axiom-4 mission, marking a significant milestone for India’s presence in human spaceflight.
According to Ahmed, the interaction covered a wide range of topics, including Shubhanshu’s experiences during the mission, the challenges of living and working aboard the ISS, and the future of space exploration. He highlighted the astronaut’s humility and clarity of thought, noting that the conversation reflected both operational discipline from his Indian Air Force background and deep curiosity about emerging space technologies.
Also Read: President Murmu Confers Ashoka Chakra on India’s Space Hero Shubhanshu Shukla
Ahmed, whose company Pixxel focuses on building hyperspectral satellites for Earth observation, also shared that the discussion touched upon the growing role of private players in the global space ecosystem. The exchange underscored the increasing collaboration between government-led missions and private space startups in advancing innovation.
Shubhanshu’s spaceflight in 2025 was widely celebrated across the country, as it came decades after India’s first human space mission milestone. His subsequent conferment of the Ashoka Chakra further elevated his profile, recognising exceptional courage and service beyond the battlefield.
The meeting has resonated strongly online, particularly among young entrepreneurs and space enthusiasts. Observers say such interactions help bridge the gap between India’s defence, space exploration, and private innovation sectors, while inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in science, technology, and national service.
Also Read: Uttar Pradesh Honours Shubhanshu Shukla and Four Others With Gaurav Samman
