Lucknow Gears Up for Grand Parade Honoring Astronaut Shukla
City gears up to celebrate Shubhanshu Shukla’s triumph.
The city of Lucknow is buzzing with excitement as it prepares to roll out the red carpet for its hometown hero, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to return on Sunday after his historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission. The local astronaut’s remarkable journey has sparked widespread pride, culminating in plans for a spectacular “Grand Victory Parade” to honor his achievement.
Shukla, who flew to the ISS aboard the Dragon spacecraft launched from Florida on June 25, 2025, and docked on June 26, spent 18 days conducting over 60 experiments and 20 outreach sessions alongside astronauts Peggy Whitson (US), Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski (Poland), and Tibor Kapu (Hungary). He returned to Earth on July 15, becoming the first Indian to visit the ISS and the second Indian astronaut in space after Rakesh Sharma’s 1986 mission to the Salyut 7 orbital station.
Upon landing in India, Shukla is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday before arriving in Lucknow on August 25. His alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), is spearheading the celebrations, announcing a grand procession that promises to be one of the city’s largest civic receptions. CMS has called on residents to line the streets, wave flags, and join the festivities, dubbing the event the “Grand Victory Parade.” School children, local dignitaries, and citizens are expected to turn out in droves to celebrate Shukla’s trailblazing accomplishment.
Also Read: PM Modi to Welcome Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
Rishi Khanna, head of communications at CMS, revealed that efforts are underway to invite Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to the event, adding to its significance. The Uttar Pradesh Assembly also passed a resolution on Tuesday, congratulating Shukla for his historic journey, reflecting the state’s immense pride in its native son.
The parade will showcase Lucknow’s unity and admiration for Shukla, whose mission has inspired a new generation of dreamers. As the city prepares for this monumental celebration, the event is set to cement Shukla’s legacy as a symbol of perseverance and excellence, putting Lucknow on the global map.
Also Read: UP CM Launches ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ in Lucknow
