"No border is visible from space": NCERT’s new Class 5 textbook features IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s moving words from space

NCERT Class 5 Textbook Features Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s Inspiring Earth View

The recently launched Class 5 Environmental Studies textbook by NCERT has garnered widespread attention for its thought-provoking content, including a powerful quote from Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to reach the International Space Station (ISS).

Featured in the chapter Earth, Our Shared Home, the book quotes Shukla recalling his breathtaking view of Earth from space: “The Earth looks completely one; no border is visible from outside.” The statement, made during a conversation with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, underscores the unity of humanity and the shared responsibility of caring for our planet. “It seems that no border exists, no state exists, no countries exist. We all are part of humanity, and the Earth is our one home, and all of us are in it,” he added.

Shukla’s historic 18-day mission aboard the ISS, completed on July 15, marks a monumental moment for Indian space exploration—he is the first Indian in over four decades to set foot on the space station.

The textbook, titled Our Wondrous World, is part of The World Around Us (TWAU) series and reflects a broader pedagogical reform under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It blends Science, Social Science, and Environmental Studies into a cohesive and story-driven curriculum that encourages inquiry-based, ethical, and experiential learning.

One standout feature is the inclusion of DIGIPIN—a digital address system that assigns a unique 10-character code to every Indian location. By showcasing real-life innovations like DIGIPIN, the textbook aims to connect students with practical knowledge that impacts their daily lives.

Chapter 2 follows a journey along the Godavari River, introducing young readers to the Brahmagiri Hills, Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary, and environmental initiatives like the Namami Gange Programme. It also offers flood safety tips to build essential life skills.

In Chapter 3, students delve into the world of microbes, exploring food preservation techniques such as drying, pickling, and refrigeration. The chapter also touches on oral hygiene and how to respond to choking—important health and safety topics for children.

Another chapter, Our Vibrant Country, celebrates India’s cultural richness through national symbols, traditional clothing, historical monuments, and regional dances. An engaging currency note activity helps students discover embedded cultural elements.

Inspirational stories of national heroes such as Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, Bhagat Singh, Rani Lakshmibai, and Chhatrapati Shivaji are interwoven throughout the book. These narratives aim to instill patriotism, resilience, and a sense of purpose in young minds.

A chapter titled Some Unique Places serves as a travelogue across India, showcasing locations like the Sundarbans, Majuli Island, and the eco-conscious village of Hiware Bazar. It also introduces local treasures like Bhut Jolokia from Assam, coir crafts from Kerala, and the ancient Kailashnatha temple in Maharashtra.

Beyond stories, the textbook emphasizes active learning through nature walks, journal writing, interviews, and model-making. Students are encouraged to observe their surroundings, form hypotheses, conduct simple experiments, and draw conclusions—skills that form the bedrock of scientific thinking.

Seasonal changes, biodiversity, and the interconnectedness of people and nature are recurring themes. Side notes and trivia nuggets throughout the book provide students with a broad spectrum of general knowledge.

Our Wondrous World not only reflects a transformative vision for education but also inspires young learners to become thoughtful and responsible citizens. With contributions from modern-day icons like Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the textbook bridges the gap between textbook knowledge and real-world relevance—guiding children to see Earth not as a divided landscape but as a united, shared home.