Lucknow Greets Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla on Return

Lucknow erupted in pride and jubilation on August 25, 2025, as Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS), returned to his hometown. A massive crowd, including family, friends, students, and dignitaries, gathered at Lucknow Airport to give the 39-year-old a hero’s welcome, waving Tricolour flags and chanting slogans of national pride. Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and state BJP president Brajesh Pathak led the reception, hailing Shukla’s historic mission as a milestone for India’s space ambitions.

“Under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India has scaled new heights in space technology,” Pathak told reporters at the airport. “Shubhanshu Shukla has shown a new path to the world, and we are thrilled to honor him. He is an inspiration for our youth.” The state government announced a series of events across Uttar Pradesh to celebrate Shukla’s achievement, including felicitation ceremonies and school programs to inspire the next generation.

Shukla’s alma mater, City Montessori School, sent a large contingent of students to the airport, many of whom expressed awe at their role model’s accomplishments. “I want to become like Shubhanshu Shukla and make my country proud,” said 14-year-old Ananya Singh, a student at the school. Another classmate, Rohan Verma, added, “He’s made our school and the entire nation proud. We’re so excited to welcome him.” A third student, Priya Sharma, echoed the sentiment: “As an alumnus, he’s shown us we can dream big and reach the stars.”

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Shukla’s historic Ax-4 mission, conducted in collaboration with international partners, saw him spend 18 days aboard the ISS in June 2025, where he conducted critical experiments for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and other scientific tasks. After completing his mission on July 15, Shukla underwent rehabilitation in the United States before returning to India on August 17, where he met Prime Minister Modi in New Delhi. His mission has been celebrated as a pivotal step toward India’s Gaganyaan program, which aims to launch the country’s first manned spaceflight by 2026.

The astronaut’s family beamed with pride, with his mother, Usha Shukla, telling local media, “He has brought glory to India and Lucknow. We always knew he was destined for greatness.” Social media platforms like X buzzed with congratulatory messages, with users calling Shukla a “national hero” and a “beacon for young scientists.” His journey from a small-town Air Force officer to an astronaut has captivated the nation, reinforcing India’s growing stature in global space exploration.

As Lucknow continues to celebrate its hometown hero, Shukla’s achievement is set to inspire countless young Indians to pursue careers in science and space, cementing his legacy as a trailblazer for the nation’s ambitious cosmic journey.

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