Shubhanshu Shukla's sister celebrates his ISS homecoming after 18 days into space with pride and prayers: ‘The same feelings came back'

Time of India

9 hours ago

Group Captain
Shubhanshu Shukla
, Indian Air Force officer and
Axiom-4
astronaut, returns to Earth after completing his mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). As the nation awaits his homecoming, his family in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, is overwhelmed with emotion and pride. His mother Asha Shukla and sister, Shuchi Mishra offered special prayers and recalled the moment he left for the mission. For them, Shubhanshu's return is more than just a reunion—it's the celebration of India's growing footprint in space exploration. Here's how the family marked this historic moment and what Shubhanshu had to say from space.
Shubhanshu Shukla homecoming: Pride, prayers and celebration await ISS astronaut in Lucknow
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated officer of the Indian Air Force, was part of the prestigious Axiom Mission 4, a private spaceflight mission to the International Space Station. As he concludes his journey and prepares to re-enter Earth's atmosphere, his homecoming has stirred a wave of pride not only in Lucknow but across India.
Speaking to ANI, Shubhanshu's mother Asha Shukla shared her emotional sentiments:
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'If it were up to us, we would be there to welcome him with a hug. But for now, we pray for his safe return.'
She described how the family performed Shiva Abhishek at the local temple in the early morning, offering prayers for her son's well-being. For Asha, the moment is not just about welcoming her son home—it's a spiritual experience rooted in maternal hope and national pride.
Source: ANI
Shubhanshu Shukla's sister Shuchi gets emotional: 'The same emotions returned'
Shuchi Mishra, Shubhanshu's sister, said the emotions felt during his departure resurfaced as they await his return.
'It feels like the day he left for the mission all over again. But now it's time to celebrate. We've prayed every day for his safe return.'
She expressed how proud she was of her brother's journey from being a fighter pilot to becoming one of India's pioneering astronauts. She added,
'He must have seen India from space—and I'm sure he knows, there's no place better than our country.'
Shubhanshu Shukla paid honour to Rakesh Sharma
During the farewell ceremony aboard the ISS, Shubhanshu paid homage to India's first man in space, Rakesh Sharma, echoing his iconic words:
'Today's India still looks good from all places.' He went on to describe modern India from orbit as:
'Ambitious, bold, confident, and full of pride.' His message from space touched hearts back home and reminded the nation of the strides India's space program is making on the international stage.
Shubhanshu Shukla homecoming preparations in Lucknow
Shubhanshu Shukla's journey is more than a personal achievement—it's a testament to the advancement of India's space ambitions. As part of the Axiom-4 mission, his contributions underline India's growing presence in space research, international collaborations, and scientific innovation.
Back in Lucknow, preparations for a grand celebration are underway. While the world watched Shubhanshu orbit the Earth, his family remained grounded in tradition, prayer, and unwavering belief. His return marks not just the end of a mission but the beginning of a legacy that will inspire future generations of Indian astronauts and scientific dreamers.
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