Shubhanshu Shukla / Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla met CM Yogi, his family was also present

Shubhanshu Shukla: Lucknow, 25 August 2025: Indian Air Force Group Captain and Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla met Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath in Lucknow on Sunday. During this, his family members were also present. Shubhanshu Shukla, who traveled to the International Space Station (ISS) under the Axiom-4 mission, was given a rousing welcome in Lucknow. He is the first Indian to travel to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

Deputy CM Brajesh Pathak praised

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak termed the occasion as historic for Lucknow and said,

"Today is a big day for Lucknow. The son of India, the son of Lucknow stepped into Lucknow. Ever since he returned to earth from space, the people of Lucknow were eagerly waiting for his arrival. Today finally that moment has come. We welcome Shubhanshu Shukla with warmth and love."

He described Shubhanshu's achievement as a matter of pride not only for Lucknow but for the entire country.

Inspirational interaction with school children

On reaching Lucknow, Shubhanshu Shukla addressed the children of his alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS). He said that seeing the enthusiasm of the children made him forget his fatigue. He said,

"This morning I was very tired. Then I saw you children on the streets and I was told that you have been standing there since 7:30 in the morning. I saw you sweating, smiling and so excited that my fatigue disappeared."

Shubhanshu motivated the children and said that strong willpower is enough for success. Sharing his experience, he told that in his interaction on ISS, the children never asked how it was in space, but always asked how to become an astronaut. He said,

"It tells in which direction your mind is going. Please be aspiring. We have a vision and mission to land on the moon by 2040. The future is very bright, and the right time and opportunity is in front of us."

Shubhanshu Shukla: Pride of India

Shubhanshu Shukla is a Group Captain of the Indian Air Force and has traveled to the International Space Station under the Axiom-4 mission. His achievement is an important milestone in the field of space research and scientific progress of India. After 41 years, an Indian has traveled to space, which has made not only Lucknow but the whole of India proud.