New Delhi: The atmosphere was marked by joy and happiness across the nation as Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Subhanshu Shukla lifted off into space from the United States. His parents witnessed the historic moment virtually as their son lifted off to the International Space Station (ISS) along with three other astronauts as part of Axiom-4 Mission from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre earlier on Wednesday.
Elaborate arrangements were made at Shukla’s alma mater, City Montessori School in Lucknow, for the screening of the historic space mission, including the setting up of an LED screen for the live telecast. The school hosted ‘Vyomotsav’, an immersive watch-party that transformed the campus into a vibrant “mini space centre”, paying tribute to its illustrious alumnus.
Parents teary eyed with joy
Asha Shukla and Shambhu Dayal, Subhanshu’s parents were teary eyed when they witnessed the historic moment that made their hearts lighten up with pride and joy for their son.
VIDEO | Father of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla says, “We are deeply thankful to everyone who offered their blessings. We are truly grateful to all those who prayed for our child.
Mother of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla says, “These are tears of joy, not of sorrow. The… pic.twitter.com/Z9UrxhjIN4
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2025
Speaking to the reporters, his father said, “We are deeply thankful to everyone who offered their blessings. We are truly grateful to all those who prayed for our child.” His parents joined the teachers and students at his alma mater in Lucknow for the celebration of their son’s significant achievement. His mother said, “These are tears of joy, not of sorrow. The mission has been successful.”
She further added, “I know he will be successful. Though I am eagerly looking forward for him to return after a successful mission, I also know that even after returning back on earth, it will take a while before he actually gets to back amongst us,” she told as quoted by PTI.
VIDEO | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh: Parents of Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla celebrate as Axiom-4 mission lifts off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, US.
The Lucknow-born Shukla, former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of… pic.twitter.com/6gJR4UaVxB
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 25, 2025
Posters were put up all over the UP capital Lucknow, highlighting Subhanshu Shukla’s remarkable achievement. Chants of “Hip Hip Hurray”, spontaneous bhangra were heard at the school . The audience present during the event said it was indeed a morning to remember at School.