Cheers, Tears, and Tiranga Pride: Shubhanshu Shukla Makes History with Axiom-4 Docking at ISS, Family Emotional in Lucknow
Shubhanshu Shukla makes history as the second Indian in space, docking at ISS with Axiom-4; family and nation celebrate with pride and emotion.
After 41 years, India is back in space as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday as part of the Axiom Mission 4. The historic moment brought overwhelming emotions to Shukla’s family in Lucknow and ignited celebrations across the country.
Emotional Moments in Lucknow
As the live broadcast showed the docking success, Shubhanshu’s mother, Asha Shukla, folded her hands in prayer, tears streaming down her face. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, looked on with immense pride. At Shubhanshu’s former school, students and parents erupted in cheers, waving the Indian tricolor, celebrating the remarkable achievement of their alumnus.
A Historic Space Journey
At 39, Shubhanshu Shukla is only the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma to journey into space, marking a proud moment in India’s space history. The spacecraft launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and took 28 hours to reach the ISS.
A Message from Home and Space
Before the launch, Shukla told his family, "Just wait for me, I’m coming." In a touching Indian tradition, his mother performed a virtual dahi-cheeni ritual—feeding him yogurt and sugar over a video call—praying for his safe journey. Both his mother and sister Gunjan expressed deep pride and joy, describing the day as a festive celebration at home.
From orbit, Shubhanshu sent a heartfelt message, “The Tiranga on my shoulders tells me I am with all of you. Orbiting Earth at 7.5 km per second, this isn’t just my journey — it marks the beginning of India’s Human Space Programme. Jai Hind! Jai Bharat!”
A New Chapter for India’s Space Ambitions
Though the exact cost of the mission remains undisclosed, similar missions cost countries up to $100 million. Yet, for many Indians, Shukla’s voyage represents far more than money—it symbolizes national pride, hope, and India’s rising stature in the global space arena.
As the Axiom-4 crew entered the ISS, India’s spirits soared, carried on the shoulders of a man proudly bearing the nation’s flag among the stars.
