How Did Parents and Teacher Celebrate Shubhanshu Shukla's Journey to ISS?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Shubhanshu Shukla becomes the first Indian to reach the ISS.
- The Axiom 4 mission is historic for India, Poland, and Hungary.
- Support from leaders like Yogi Adityanath and Narendra Modi highlights national pride.
- Shukla's transformation from a shy student to an astronaut is inspiring.
- The achievement encourages future aspirations in space science.
Lucknow, June 27 (NationPress) The parents and teacher of India's second astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, expressed immense pride on Friday following his successful arrival at the International Space Station (ISS).
In an interview with IANS, they shared their heartfelt emotions and reactions, emphasizing their gratitude and pride for his safe journey.
IAF officer Shukla made history as the first Indian to reach the ISS and only the second Indian to venture into space, nearly 40 years after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma's mission with the Soviet space program in 1984. He traveled aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida. The Axiom 4 mission, involving Axiom Space, NASA, and SpaceX, marks a significant milestone for India, Poland, and Hungary, the three nations that have sent astronauts into space in decades.
Shukla’s mother, Asha Shukla, expressed her joy and relief, stating: "I am feeling very good. I spoke with him once he reached space. I hope he returns safely. It’s a proud moment for India. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited us to extend his congratulations, and I believe Prime Minister Narendra Modi played a crucial role in this journey."
His father, Shambhu Dayal Sharma, commented: "I am extremely happy and thankful to God for his safe journey. Before departing, he told us to stay cheerful and not to worry. I pray for his safety and success. CM Yogi came and congratulated us, stating that it’s a proud moment for the son of Uttar Pradesh to go to space. He assured us that steps would be taken to promote such achievements in the future."
Shukla’s former teacher, Nageshwar Prasad Shukla, reminisced about his experiences with him.
"He was always an exceptional student with aspirations to join the NDA. I spoke to him five months ago and had some inkling about his selection, but it became official with Prime Minister Modi's announcement. He was shy back then, but we’ve witnessed a remarkable transformation over 22 years. His confidence has soared. I pray for the success of his mission."
As the nation rejoices in this achievement, pride swells in his hometown and among those who have influenced his journey.