Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – On August 19, 2025, Former Uttar Pradesh minister and Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Mohsin Raza wrote a heartfelt letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, requesting special recognition for Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla, the Lucknow-born astronaut who made history with his Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla, the second Indian to travel to space and the first to visit the ISS, has become a source of pride for the state, and Raza’s appeal has sparked widespread support.
In his letter, Raza, a former cricketer and prominent BJP leader, praised Shukla’s achievement as a “momentous milestone” for Uttar Pradesh and India. He urged the state government to honour the astronaut with a grand felicitation ceremony and a ₹5 crore honorarium, highlighting Shukla’s inspiring journey from a local school in Lucknow to orbiting Earth at 400 kilometers. Raza emphasized that recognizing Shukla in such a manner would not only celebrate his contribution but also motivate young people across the state to pursue careers in science and space exploration.
Shukla, a Group Captain in the Indian Air Force, returned to Delhi on August 17, 2025, after completing his 18-day mission, during which he conducted seven experiments for ISRO’s Gaganyaan program. His homecoming was marked by a warm welcome from Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, and ISRO officials. Raza’s letter also noted Shukla’s meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where he gifted the PM the Indian flag he carried to space, symbolizing national pride.
The call for recognition has resonated with locals, who see Shukla as a role model for Uttar Pradesh’s youth. Social media posts are abuzz with praise for Raza’s initiative, with many urging the state to organize a public event to celebrate Shukla’s feat. The state government has yet to respond, but sources indicate that discussions are underway to plan a fitting ceremony.
This development comes as Uttar Pradesh aims to position itself as a hub for education and innovation. Honouring Shukla could further inspire the state’s youth to dream big, aligning with Chief Minister Adityanath’s vision for a progressive Uttar Pradesh. As the anticipation builds, all eyes are on Lucknow to see how the state will celebrate its hometown hero.
