From Gorakhpur to the Stars: Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's Family Meets CM Yogi After Historic ISS Docking

The air in Gorakhpur is thick with pride and joy following the successful docking of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's Axiom-4 Mission spacecraft with the International Space Station (ISS). Just a day after the momentous launch, Shukla's family is still basking in the glow of his extraordinary achievement, a feeling only amplified by a special meeting with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

"We were absolutely overwhelmed and ecstatic watching Shubhanshu's spacecraft dock," shared his sister, Mishra, her voice still laced with emotion. "It was a moment of immense pride for our entire family; the feeling is truly beyond words." She recounted their meeting with CM Yogi, an encounter that left a profound impression.

According to Mishra, Chief Minister Adityanath expressed his deep pride in Shubhanshu's accomplishment, emphasizing its significance for the nation. "CM Yogi told us that Shubhanshu's contribution to space science will be instrumental for India's future missions," she explained. "He called Shubhanshu a true pride of the nation, someone who will undoubtedly inspire generations to come. He even honored us, which was something we never imagined. It wouldn't have been possible without my brother's sheer hard work."

For Shubhanshu's parents, Asha Shukla and Shambhu Dayal Shukla, the sight of their son's spacecraft connecting with the ISS brought another wave of joyful tears. Asha Shukla was visibly engrossed in prayer, her face a testament to her profound gratitude. "I am so incredibly proud of my son," she beamed. "Hats off to him; all his hard work has truly paid off today. We've been flooded with well wishes since yesterday. I'm experiencing a whirlwind of emotions and, at the same time, I'm speechless."