Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who brought laurels to the nation with his successful space mission, reached his hometown Lucknow for the first time after his return to Earth. A grand welcome awaited him at the airport, where Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak personally greeted him.

Calling it a historic moment, the Deputy CM said, “Today is a day of pride and glory for Lucknow. The son of Bharat, the son of Lucknow, has set foot in his city. Ever since he returned safely from space, the people of Lucknow were waiting eagerly for this moment.”

Shubhanshu’s family, relatives, and thousands of residents thronged to see him. His locality Triveni Nagar wore a festive look, with posters declaring him a national hero. Children dressed as astronauts and fans showered flowers as his convoy moved through the city. BJP workers also joined in, celebrating near Mata Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan.

Security was tight, but it did little to deter the massive crowd gathered with tricolors in hand, cheering the astronaut who completed the historic Axiom-4 mission.

Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s second astronaut to travel to the International Space Station, had returned to Earth on 15 July 2025 at 3:00 pm after an 18-day stay aboard the ISS.