‘Proud that one of my missions generated such excitement’: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla gets rousing welcome in Lucknow
Later in the day, the 39-year-old called on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence. A roadshow was also organised in his honour
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Shubhanshu Shukla is visiting the Uttar Pradesh capital now after participating in multiple outreach events, including a meeting with PM Modi on Aug 18. (PTI)“Proud that one of my missions has generated such excitement. The momentum we have built will play a big role in taking our space journey forward,” said astronaut and Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla as he arrived in Lucknow, his hometown, to a rousing welcome on Monday.
A huge crowd gathered at the airport to receive him — with a band performance organised in his honour — cheering and celebrating his achievement. He is the second Indian to go to space, 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma.
People waved flags, showered flower petals, and cheered loudly, creating a festive atmosphere.
Later in the day, the 39-year-old called on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at his official residence. The Chief Minister congratulated him on his achievement and wished him continued success.
Shukla landed in India on August 17 after his historic visit to the International Space Station (ISS) on the Axiom 4 mission. Since his splashdown on July 15, Shukla was in Houston re-acclimatising to gravity and debriefing with officials from Axiom Space, SpaceX and NASA. He had spent 18 days on the ISS.
This was his first visit to Lucknow after his return from space. He had last come to the city nearly one and a half years ago.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who was present at the airport, welcomed Shukla. Speaking to reporters, Pathak said, “Today is a proud day for Lucknow. The son of Bharat and the son of Lucknow has set foot in his hometown. Ever since his return from space, the people of Lucknow had been eagerly awaiting this moment. Today, that wait is over. We extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to Shubhanshu Shukla.”
A roadshow was also organised in which a convoy escorted Shukla and his family through the city. During the procession, Shukla, along with his wife Kamna and other family members, climbed onto a specially decorated open vehicle to lead the victory parade.
Smiling and waving throughout, he warmly greeted children and residents gathered on both sides of the road. School students waved the Tricolour while others dressed up in bright astronaut costumes.
The parade concluded at the auditorium of the City Montessori School (CMS) in Gomti Nagar Extension, where Shukla had completed his schooling.
Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Shukla said he was overwhelmed by the enthusiasm with which the CMS students welcomed and honoured him. He added that he was very happy to return to his home and school.
In a special interaction with CMS students, he also answered their questions and shared experiences of his historic space journey.
Speaking to journalists, Shukla said he was overwhelmed by the love and enthusiasm of the people: “The kind of enthusiasm and excitement I have witnessed has been truly overwhelming. It feels wonderful to be back home. I am deeply touched by the support shown to me. I feel proud that one of my missions has generated such excitement. The momentum we have built will play a big role in taking our space journey forward and achieving greater milestones.”
The Triveni Nagar area, where Shukla’s residence is located, was also decorated to welcome him.
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