LUCKNOW: Indian Air Force Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returned to his hometown of Lucknow on Monday to a jubilant reception after making history as the first Indian to visit the International Space Station.
Although Shukla landed in India from the US on August 17, he visited the Uttar Pradesh capital only now, following a series of outreach engagements—including a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 18.
At the airport, Shukla was greeted by his family—parents Shambhu and Asha Shukla, wife Kamna, and son Kiash—alongside cheering crowds waving the tricolour and chanting “Vande Mataram.” Adding to the festive atmosphere, a troupe performed on drums and trumpets, while students from Shukla’s alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), donned vibrant costumes representing space missions and celestial bodies. CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon personally welcomed the school’s celebrated alumnus.
From the airport, Shukla embarked on a roadshow in an open-top vehicle, standing beside his family as supporters lined the streets despite light drizzle. Young children holding umbrellas waved enthusiastically as the astronaut passed by, symbolizing the inspiration he has become for many.
Wearing a brown Air Force jacket adorned with insignia, the Indian flag on one sleeve, and the ISRO emblem on the other, Shukla waved and smiled at onlookers who applauded his historic achievement.
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak lauded Shukla for bringing glory to both the state and the nation. “We are thrilled with his accomplishments. Our government has supported him throughout, and several events are planned to felicitate this Lucknow lad, now a celebrated astronaut,” Pathak said. “Later today, the Chief Minister will honour him. Shubhanshu also shared how breathtaking India looks from space and spoke eloquently about its splendour from orbit.”
Along the roadshow route, schoolchildren, families, and officials thronged the sidewalks, waving flags and holding banners celebrating India’s newest space hero. Digital screens around the city broadcast clips of Shukla and his groundbreaking space mission.
Fondly nicknamed “Shux,” Shukla made history with the AXIOM 4 mission to the ISS, marking a significant milestone in India’s growing role in space exploration.
