Astronaut and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla on Monday encouraged school students to strive for the vision of landing on the moon by 2040.
In his speech during the felicitation ceremony at his alma mater, City Montessori School in Lucknow’s Gomtinagar, Shukla said that the only thing required to succeed is “perseverance”.
“In my experience, I think the future is extremely bright. We are at the right time, the right opportunities exist…,” he said.
Shukla further urged the student to “aspire”. He added, “We have a vision and a mission to land on the moon by 2040…”
Addressing the students who gave a grand welcome to Shukla during a road show in Lucknow, the Group Captain said, “… I was very tired this morning. Then I saw you kids on the roads, and I was told you had been standing there since 7.30 am. I saw you sweating, smiling, and so excited that my tiredness vanished…”
Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who received Shubhanshu Shukla at the Lucknow Airport earlier today, said that the Uttar Pradesh government has organised an event to honour Group Captain Shukla.
“The son of Lucknow and India, Shubhanshu Shukla’s arrival is being awaited by the whole of Lucknow. We welcome our beloved as he comes home, and we feel proud of his achievements. Shubhanshu Shukla has shown the world a new path. The UP government has organised a big event to honour him today… He is an inspiration for the young lot,” he said.
Dy CM Pathak called it a “big day” for Lucknow as Shubhanshu Shukla returned after NASA’s Axiom-4 space mission.
“Today is a big day for Lucknow. Ever since he returned to earth from space, the people of the city were eagerly waiting for his arrival. Today, that moment is finally here. We welcome Shubhanshu Shukla with warmth and love,” the Deputy CM said.
Shukla’s mother said the entire family visited the airport to receive him, adding that they were really excited to meet him after a long time.
“My son is coming home after 1.5 years. I am really happy and excited to meet him after so long. We will welcome him warmly. The entire family is going to the airport to welcome him…” Group Captain Shukla’s mother said.
Shukla, who returned to Earth on July 15 after completing NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) space mission, landed in Delhi on August 17.
Launched on June 25, 2025, NASA’s Axiom-4 (AX-4) mission marked India’s return to human spaceflight and involved conducting scientific research, including work on stem cell biology, while fostering international collaboration and commercial spaceflight development.
(With agency inputs)
