Bhangra and tears in Lucknow as city-boy Shubhanshu Shukla lift off to space
As the rocket pierced through Florida skies, Group Captain Shukla became only the second Indian history to travel to space after Rakesh Shukla in 1984 and the first Indian astronaut to travel to the International Space Station.
"It's a great moment not just for us but for our country. What can we say at this moment, I am struggling for words now. My blessings are always there with my son," his father Shambhu Shukla told PTI.
"I have nothing more to say at this moment. I am delighted," Shubhanshu's mother Asha Shukla said. "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 PTI.
The proud parents were there with many others at CMS Kanpur Road's World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC) auditorium to witness the launch live. Among those gathered were his his sisters, senior defence personnel, CMS faculty, the city's who's who and wide-eyed students. There was thunderous applause, cheers and impromptu bhangra as the rocket lifted off.
Also read: 'Tiranga on my shoulders': Shubhanshu Shukla after historic Axiom-4 launch
Posters of Shubhanshu Shukla congratulating him on his historic space voyage have come up all over the state capital. And his alma mater CMS hosted Vyomotsav, an immersive watch-party that transformed the campus into a vibrant "mini space centre", paying tribute to its illustrious alumnus.
The celebrations are set to continue through the day. CMS also arranged a live AXIOM mission broadcast, a replica of the ISS Cupola module, a "Defy Gravity" photo booth, telescope viewings, and a simulated Mission Control Centre.
Born in Lucknow in 1985 and educated from Montessori through Class 12 at CMS Aliganj, Shukla went on to graduate from the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flight experience on elite combat aircraft, he was selected in 2019 for India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and later chosen as the pilot for Ax-4.
Sharing the capsule with NASA senior Dr. Peggy Whitson (mission commander) and astronauts from Hungary and Poland, the 39-year-old's 14-day mission as part of a commercial mission by Axiom Space will contribute to microgravity research in areas including human physiology, nutrition, and seed germination in space.
CMS founder-director Bharti Gandhi said, 'Many CMS students have brought us laurels, but Shubhanshu's journey to space will forever shine as a beacon of possibility for every Indian child.' Added the school president and manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, "We are all overjoyed. Though their rocket is yet to reach the space, we are already over the moon."
"From a curious young learner in our classrooms to a pioneering astronaut, Shux's story beautifully encapsulates our school's mission of 'Education for World Unity and Peace'."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
Man Ki Baat: PM Modi praises astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla; says new wave of curiosity for space among kids
File photo (Picture credit: PTI) NEW DELHI: Ahead of the National Space Day, PM Narendra Modi on Sunday highlighted India's growing capabilities in space sector, mentioning the achievement of IAF Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's recent journey to International Space Station, talked about a new wave of curiosity about space among children and pointed out that today more than 200 startups have come up in the space sector alone. Talking about Shubhanshu Shukla, who was one of the four crew members of the Axiom-4 mission to ISS, PM Modi, in his 124th 'Mann Ki Baat' episode, said, 'We shall touch upon the successes of the country; the achievements of the countrymen.' He said when Shukla landed back on Earth, a 'wave of happiness rippled through every heart' and added that the 'whole country was filled with pride.' PM Modi also highlighted how the success of Isro's Chandrayaan-3 mission created an atmosphere of curiosity in the country for space endeavours. 'I remember, when Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed in August 2023, a new ambience was created in the country. A new curiosity also arose among children about science, about space. Little children now say, we will also go to space; we will also land on the Moon — we will become space scientists," PM Modi said. PM Modi specifically mentioned the 'INSPIRE-MANAK Abhiyan,' which promotes innovation among children by providing them with a platform to develop innovative ideas rooted in science. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like No annual fees for life UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo 'In this, five children are selected from each school. Each child brings up a new idea. So far, lakhs of children have joined this, and after Chandrayaan-3, their number has doubled,' he said. PM noted a rise in India's space startups, pointing out that the number has almost quadrupled in the last five years. 'Five years ago, there were fewer than 50 start-ups. Today, there are more than 200," he said. Further noting the upcoming National Space Day on August 23, PM Modi said, "How will you celebrate it..., do you have any new ideas? Do send me a message on the NaMo App'. PM Modi also mentioned the recent achievements of students in the science and mathematics fields, giving a shout-out to the brightest minds. 'In 21st-century India, science is progressing with renewed energy. A few days ago, our students won medals in the International Chemistry Olympiad. India has also strengthened its image in the world of mathematics. In the International Mathematical Olympiad held in Australia, our students won 3 Gold, 2 Silver and 1 Bronze medal," PM Modi said. He also announced that an Astronomy and Astrophysics Olympiad is going to be held in Mumbai next month. This will be the biggest Olympiad to date, he noted. The PM also hailed the development of Unesco recognising 12 Maratha forts as World Heritage Sites. 'Eleven forts in Maharashtra; one in Tamil Nadu. Each fort has a chapter of history attached to it. Every stone is a testimony to a historical event... Salher Fort, where the Mughals were defeated, Shivneri, where Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj was born. A fort that is unbreachable for the enemy. Khanderi Fort is an amazing fort built in the middle of the sea,' he said. 'The enemy wanted to stop him, but Shivaji Maharaj made the impossible possible. Pratapgarh Fort, where Afzal Khan was defeated, the echo of that saga still remains entrenched in the walls of the fort. Vijaydurg, which had secret tunnels, is proof of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's farsightedness. I visited Raigad a few years ago... bowed in front of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's statue. This experience will stay with me all my life,' Modi said. He said sometimes a task comes across as impossible to some people, but when the country comes together on one thought, even the impossible becomes possible. '' Swachh Bharat Mission ' is the biggest example of this. Soon, this mission will complete 11 years. But its strength and its need are still the same,' he said. In these 11 years, 'Swachh Bharat Mission' has become a mass movement, and people consider it their duty, and this is real public participation, Modi said. 'The Swachh Survey conducted every year has lifted this feeling further. This year, more than 4500 cities and towns of the country joined it. More than 15 crore people participated in it. This is not an ordinary number. This is the voice of Swachh Bharat,' he said.
News18
an hour ago
- News18
New study documents 452 bird species in Telangana
Hyderabad, Jul 27 (PTI) A newly published research paper by a Professor of Osmania University and a citizen-scientist has documented that there are 452 bird species across Telangana, including rare sightings and first records for India, such as the Spur-winged Lapwing. Published in the Journal of Threatened Taxa on July 26, the study, by Prof Chelmala Srinivasulu (Osmania University) and Sriram Reddy of Hyderabad Birding Pals, (a Non-Governmental Organisation, dedicated to promoting birdwatching across Telangana) offers critical insights into Telangana's bird diversity and is one of the most comprehensive avifaunal checklists ever compiled for the state, a release from Osmania University said. It also highlights the presence of globally threatened species like the critically endangered Indian Vulture and Lesser Florican, underscoring the region's importance for bird conservation, it said. 'Birds are excellent indicators of environmental health. Our work not only corrects outdated records but also showcases Telangana's hidden biodiversity rich areas – from wetlands to forests, from grasslands to urban lakes," said Prof Srinivasulu, a leading wildlife biologist at Osmania University. Sriram Reddy, co-author and citizen-scientist said this checklist is not just for scientists, but for every nature lover, student, and amateur birder. He invited people from all walks of life to take up birdwatching – not just as a hobby, but as a meaningful connection to natural heritage. The paper is the result of decades of field observations, historic record reviews, and community-contributed data, the release said. Prof Srinivasulu urged the citizens to appreciate and protect the birds around them. He said policymakers need to work in tandem with researchers and experts to prioritise habitat identification and conservation. 'Our bird diversity and population are declining due to many direct and indirect threats. It is imperative that we need to nurture a new generation of bird lovers," he added. Osmania University Vice-Chancellor Prof Kumar Molugaram said the university fraternity appreciates the outcome of this research. PTI VVK GDK VVK KH view comments First Published: July 27, 2025, 20:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Gujarat CM approves AI implementation action plan
Academy Empower your mind, elevate your skills The Gujarat government's AI implementation action plan focuses on efficient governance and effective welfare programmes by fostering a robust artificial intelligence 'Action Plan for Implementation of Artificial Intelligence 2025-2030', approved by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel , aims to facilitate smart decision-making, citizen-focused schemes, efficient service delivery, and effective welfare programs through the application of AI, according to an official release on action plan aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to position India as a global leader in digital empowerment, leveraging the widespread use of AI to drive growth in various sectors through extensive AI adoption, the release the annual 'Chintan Shivir' held in November 2024, CM Patel had declared that Gujarat will leverage AI across its administrative framework and government departments to lead in technology-driven governance and socio-economic progress, in line with the vision of Viksit Gujarat@ realise this vision and embed AI in governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, fintech, and other critical sectors, an AI taskforce, a committee of 10 experts, was on the recommendations of the task force, Patel has approved the action plan, the release action plan will serve as a time-bound blueprint to equip the state government with advanced AI capabilities. Furthermore, it will foster a robust, innovative AI ecosystem that ensures seamless service delivery, improved citizen welfare, and enhanced quality of life with ensure the structured and timely implementation, the state will establish a dedicated ' AI and Deep Tech Mission ', said the mission will function as a specialised institutional mechanism, leading the design, implementation, and innovation of AI strategies and emerging technologies within the state it will strengthen a robust ecosystem by fostering collaboration among startups, academic research, and industries. The mission will focus on skilling, reskilling, and upskilling the workforce in AI and related technologies, said the release. PTI
