Lucknow Prepares Grand Welcome as Astronaut Shukla Returns

Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to be honored in his hometown Lucknow after a successful mission to the International Space Station. The local administration plans to name a road and a park after him. His return sparks a political debate, showcasing India's space achievements.

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla returns to India, the city of Lucknow is poised to honor its illustrious son, who has just completed a landmark mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Mayor Sushma Kharakwal announced plans to name a road and a park after Shukla, signifying the pride of the nation.

In a session of the Lok Sabha on Monday, Speaker Om Birla congratulated Shukla, praising the achievements marking a new era for India's space ambitions. However, the political climate was tense, with Union Minister Jitendra Singh critiquing the opposition for not lauding Shukla's historic journey amidst demands for debate over election issues in Bihar.

Following a successful mission as part of NASA's Axiom-4 Space Mission, Shukla returned home on July 15, ending a 41-year wait for an Indian astronaut's voyage to space. His feat brings hope for India's future space expeditions, as highlighted by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor in acknowledgment of Shukla's groundbreaking role in advancing India's human spaceflight program.

(With inputs from agencies.)