Wed Jun 25 16:25:22 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Lucknow Celebrates as Shubhanshu Shukla Becomes India’s Second Astronaut**

**Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – June 25, 2025** – Jubilation erupted across Lucknow today as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force embarked on his historic space journey as part of the Axiom-4 mission. Cheers and celebrations filled the City Montessori School, Group Captain Shukla’s alma mater, where students, teachers, and his parents watched the live broadcast of the launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Group Captain Shukla becomes only the second Indian astronaut to venture into space, following Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering flight 41 years ago. His parents, Shambhu and Asha Shukla, were visibly emotional as they witnessed their son’s dream realized. “It is a proud moment for all of us,” his father stated, while his mother expressed her delight and pride in her son’s achievement.

The school transformed into a “mini-space center” for the occasion, hosting “Vyomotsav,” an immersive watch-party for the launch. Celebrations also spilled into the streets of Lucknow, with citizens dancing and distributing sweets, and congratulatory posters adorning the city.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath lauded the mission as a testament to India’s scientific prowess and international collaboration. “This is a proud moment for India,” he stated on X, congratulating Group Captain Shukla and highlighting India’s commitment to scientific progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.

The Axiom-4 mission marks a significant milestone in India’s space program and serves as an inspiration for aspiring scientists and astronauts across the nation.

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