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Security agencies did not permit Group Captain Shubhashu Shukla to visit his family residence in Lucknow, citing crowd control and safety concerns
Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, during a meeting in Lucknow on August 25. (Image: @myogiadityanath/X/PTI)
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s highly anticipated return to Lucknow on Monday turned into a historic celebration but one thing was missing – a stay at his family home.
Security agencies did not permit the astronaut to visit his residence, citing crowd control and safety concerns. His family, which had prepared for an emotional reunion, had to wait a little longer to share a home-cooked meal.
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Shubhanshu’s sister Shuchi Mishra said the family prepared his favourite dal-chawal. “He is a simple man. He loves home-cooked food and the lanes of our colony. But this time, security had to come first. Next time, when he returns, this incomplete dream will surely be fulfilled,” Mishra said. “We wanted him to come home and eat with us. But this time, he couldn’t stay with us. Next time, when he comes, he will surely eat at home.”
Mishra said at least a year and a half has passed since the family was last together. “He has not only brought glory to our family but to the entire country. Now we hope that children from our locality also draw inspiration from him,” she said.
His mother, who was busy in the kitchen before his arrival, summed it up. “I had prepared his favourites, hoping he will sit and eat with us. But this time, we could only feed him from afar with our love,” she said.
Declared a state guest, Shubhanshu was under tight security throughout his Lucknow visit. A DSP-rank officer supervised his protection, while police escorts and intelligence wings ensured his convoy moved without disruption. Authorities said the narrow lanes leading to his home and the overwhelming enthusiasm among people made it impossible for him to stay at his residence.
“The decision was taken in the larger interest of public safety. Allowing him to stay at his residence would have made crowd management extremely difficult,” a senior officer said.
While he did not visit his family home, his locality wore a festive look. Roads were freshly laid, drains cleaned, and lanes spruced up overnight.
“Work was going on day and night to make the locality shine. We had never seen such an atmosphere before,” said local resident Himanshu Vajpayee.
The astronaut landed at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Airport, where he was formally received by officers of the Indian Air Force, district administration, and senior government leaders. Entry for the general public was restricted, but a Guard of Honour and ceremonial reception were held in his honour.
Deputy chief minister Brajesh Pathak, science and technology minister Anil Kumar, mayor Sushma Kharkwal, local MLA Neeraj Bora were among those who joined his family at the airport to welcome him. From the airport, his convoy headed straight to Adityanath’s residence, where he met the chief minister in the afternoon.
The CM stepped out to personally receive Shubhanshu and felicitated him. Shubhanshu’s wife Kamna and son Kiansh were also present.
“Welcomed Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ji, the pride of India, who took the historic #AxiomMission4 to the pinnacle of success, on his arrival in his home district Lucknow. Your extraordinary achievement, a symbol of India’s talent, hard work and confidence, inspires the new generation to move forward in the field of science and research. Infinite best wishes for your golden future and innovative campaigns!” Adityanath later wrote in a post on X.
ऐतिहासिक #AxiomMission4 को सफलता के शिखर तक पहुंचाने वाले भारत के गौरव, ग्रुप कैप्टन शुभांशु शुक्ला जी का गृह जनपद लखनऊ आगमन पर स्वागत किया। भारत की प्रतिभा, परिश्रम और आत्मविश्वास की प्रतीक आपकी असाधारण उपलब्धि नई पीढ़ी को विज्ञान और अनुसंधान के क्षेत्र में आगे बढ़ने की… pic.twitter.com/yxv8U3tlbR— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 25, 2025
Another post read: “Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ji shared his space journey and unforgettable experiences spent at the International Space Station (ISS). You are the inspiration for India’s space dream and the young generation. Congratulations!”
ग्रुप कैप्टन शुभांशु शुक्ला जी ने अपनी अंतरिक्ष यात्रा और अंतरराष्ट्रीय अंतरिक्ष स्टेशन (ISS) में बिताए गए अविस्मरणीय अनुभवों को साझा किया। आप भारत के अंतरिक्ष स्वप्न और युवा पीढ़ी की प्रेरणा हैं।अभिनंदन!@gagan_shux pic.twitter.com/ow8r5d7Og5— Yogi Adityanath (@myogiadityanath) August 25, 2025
Later, he interacted briefly with schoolchildren and students, sharing insights from his journey to space and encouraging them to dream big.
Shubhanshu made history by joining NASA’s Axiom-4 Mission and spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) between June 25 and July 15. He is only the second Indian after Rakesh Sharma in 1984 to achieve this feat.
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