Lucknow to host grand welcome for ISS astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla; victory parade planned from airport to Gomti Nagar Extension on August 25

LUCKNOW: The city is preparing to give a grand welcome to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is returning home for the first time after the historic mission to the International Space Station (ISS).A victory parade has been planned from Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport to Gomti Nagar Extension on Aug 25. The road outside his residence is being freshly laid, a symbolic gesture to honour the national hero's arrival. His parents, Shambhu Dayal Shukla and Asha Shukla, told TOI that they would be going to the airport to receive him. "Meeting him at Delhi airport earlier was one of the most emotional moments of my life. We had a brief time together, but in those moments, we spoke about his Axiom 4 mission and what it felt like to be back on Earth after so many days in space. He told me about his rehabilitation, about how he had to re-train his body just to walk again in gravity. As he was narrating it, I could see both the struggle and the triumph in his eyes. For me, it was a mixture of pride, relief and tears. My son went to the stars and came back stronger," said, Shambhu Dayal. For his mother, the anticipation is deeply personal. Due to a recent surgery, she has not met her son since his return. "I have been counting the days to see him again, when he comes to Lucknow, my only wish is to hug him. I will cook whatever he asks for and whatever is allowed in his diet. For a mother, no celebration is greater than preparing food for her child. That will be my way of welcoming him home after such a long journey," Asha Shukla said. The family also reflected on Shubhanshu's simple nature as a child. "As a child, he was never demanding, he never asked us for toys, gifts or anything extra. Now, look at the irony our boy who never demanded anything from us is the same person the whole world is demanding to see. That is what makes us proud as parents," said Shambhu Dayal. Although returning to his hometown, Shubhanshu will not be staying at his Lucknow residence. In adherence to Isro protocols, he will be accommodated at a designated guest house. During his visit, he is also expected to interact with students and address young minds at City Montessori School, inspiring the next generation with insights from his space mission.