Lucknow, August 25, 2025 – Lucknow was buzzing with pride today as it welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut to visit the International Space Station. The 38-year-old hometown hero, fresh from his 18-day NASA Axiom-4 mission, stepped off the plane at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport to a roaring crowd. With flags waving and drums beating, the city showed its love for the man who carried India’s dreams to space. The Uttar Pradesh government is now preparing a grand ceremony to honor him, set to be a highlight of his three-day homecoming.
The airport was alive with excitement. Crowds, including kids dressed as mini astronauts, chanted “Bharat Mata ki Jai” as flower petals rained down. Shukla’s mother and sister greeted him with tearful hugs, their pride clear to all. His sister Shuchi said, “He’s inspired every kid in our neighborhood to dream big.” Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak welcomed Shukla, calling it a “golden moment for Lucknow.” He said, “The son of Bharat is home, and we’re all so proud.” UP BJP president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary hailed Shukla as a symbol of India’s scientific leap forward, while Mayor Sushma Kharkwal noted that he’s put Lucknow on the world map.
A victory parade followed, winding through Gomti Nagar Extension to G-20 Chowk. People lined the streets, cheering as Shukla waved from an open-top car. The city had prepared for weeks, roads were relaid, drains cleaned, and his neighborhood spruced up. At City Montessori School in Gomtinagar, Shukla’s old school, thousands of students joined a vibrant march. Kids performed skits and dances, celebrating their star alumnus. Some reports say up to 63,000 students took part in city-wide events, showing how deeply Shukla’s journey resonates.
Shukla spoke to the students, urging them to aim high. “We have a vision to land on the moon by 2040, keep dreaming,” he said, tying his mission to India’s big plans like Gaganyaan and the Bharatiya Antriksh Station. His words fired up the crowd, with kids cheering their local hero.
The UP government, through its Department of Science and Technology, is planning a grand ceremony to honor Shukla, though it hasn’t happened yet. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is expected to felicitate him, joined by leaders like Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya. A government spokesperson said the event will celebrate Shukla’s role in raising India’s flag in space, inspiring the youth. There’s also talk of a state-level civilian award at Lok Bhawan.
Shukla, an Indian Air Force pilot with over 2,000 hours of flying experience, blasted off to the ISS on June 26, conducted experiments, and returned on July 15. After landing in Delhi on August 17, he’s now home, soaking in the love. Yesterday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh honored him in Delhi alongside other astronauts.
This homecoming is more than a celebration, it’s a milestone for India’s space journey. With missions like Chandrayaan gaining global notice, Shukla’s trip shows we’re in the big leagues. Locals like Himanshu Vajpayee say it’s about honoring a man who brought glory to Lucknow. Social media is buzzing with clips of the parade and kids’ performances, spreading the pride nationwide.
As Lucknow awaits the government’s ceremony, the city’s joy is clear. Pathak put it best: “With determination, even the sky isn’t the limit.” Shukla’s story is inspiring a new generation to reach for the stars.
