Akhilesh Yadav Meets Family of Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla Following Historic ISS Mission

Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav visited astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's family in Lucknow. Accompanied by his wife, Dimple Yadav, and senior party member Rajendra Chaudhary, he met the family to celebrate Shukla's historic achievement as the first Indian to enter the International Space Station (ISS).

In a social media post, Yadav expressed admiration for Shukla's journey. "A flight to space that took off from the courtyard and where parents became the foundation of courage, today with them in Lucknow," he wrote. Shukla is the second Indian to travel to space after Rakesh Sharma.

Political Leaders Extend Congratulations

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also visited Shukla's family earlier. On June 27, he met them in Triveninagar, Lucknow. Maurya shared on social media, "Visited the residence of Group Captain and astronaut Shri Shubhanshu Shukla ji of the Indian Air Force in Triveninagar and met his mother Smt. Asha Shukla ji, father Shri Shambhu Dayal Shukla ji, and family members, extending heartfelt congratulations."

On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed Shukla's family at his official residence. The astronaut's mother Asha Shukla, father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, sister Suchi Mishra, and nephew Vaishvik Mishra were present during this courtesy visit.

Nationwide Recognition for Astronaut's Achievement

The same day, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai visited the Shukla residence with senior leaders Naseemuddin Siddiqui and Shyam Kishore Shukla. They congratulated the family and presented a shawl to the astronaut’s parents. Rai remarked, "The entire nation and state are proud of your son. His achievement will inspire not only the present generation but generations to come."

Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also met with the family at their home in Lucknow on Wednesday. These visits highlight the widespread recognition of Shukla's accomplishment.

Shubhanshu Shukla reached the ISS on Thursday with three other astronauts as part of the commercial Axiom-4 mission. During their 14-day stay, they will conduct various scientific experiments.

The visits from political leaders underscore the pride felt across India for Shukla's groundbreaking journey into space. His achievement is celebrated as a significant milestone for the country.

With inputs from PTI