Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla received a hero’s welcome in Delhi after returning from his ISS mission under Axiom-4. As the second Indian in space since Rakesh Sharma, his achievement rekindles national pride and inspires youth while paving the way for India’s ambitious Gaganyaan Mission and future Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
New Delhi witnessed a historic and emotional moment on Sunday as Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla received a rousing welcome at Indira Gandhi International Airport after his successful return from space. Shukla, who recently completed a two-week mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission, was greeted with chants of “Bharat Mata Ki Jai” as hundreds of citizens waved the Tricolour in celebration of his achievement.
Shukla touched down in the early hours of July 16, marking the conclusion of his extraordinary journey that placed India back on the global human spaceflight map after four decades. He became the second Indian to travel into space, following in the footsteps of IAF Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who undertook his historic mission in 1984.
A Proud Homecoming
The atmosphere at the airport was filled with patriotic fervour as people from across the capital gathered to catch a glimpse of the astronaut. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh were among the dignitaries present to receive him.
“We have all come here to welcome Shubhanshu Shukla. He has brought pride to the nation. There is enthusiasm across the country that we, too, should learn from him. He has made us proud. He has made the entire country proud,” one excited resident said while waving the national flag.
Another citizen echoed the same sentiment: “I am very happy that Shubhanshu Shukla has brought honour and pride to the nation. We can proudly say that India is great. Seeing him reach ISS has made us proud. We are all here to welcome him and thank him for taking India’s name to new heights.”
Symbol of Inspiration for the Youth
Beyond the celebrations, many highlighted how Shukla’s journey would inspire generations of young Indians to dream of space exploration. “We hope the entire nation learns from Shubhanshu Shukla. The youth should aspire to be like him. He has inspired India. We are very proud of him and hope that he continues to make us proud,” said another citizen.
Children at the airport, many of them holding hand-made posters of rockets and space capsules, chanted slogans as Shukla waved to the cheering crowd. For them, his mission served as a powerful reminder that India is on the cusp of a new space era.
A Moment of National Pride
The highlight of Shukla’s mission was when he unfurled the Indian Tricolour aboard the ISS, a gesture that deeply resonated with Indians across the globe. “Shubhanshu Shukla hoisted our flag in ISS. This filled the hearts of every Indian with pride. We are very happy to have him back. We thank him for making India proud,” said an elderly man, visibly emotional while recalling the moment.
The mission also marked a significant milestone for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Shukla represented ISRO on this international mission, and the learnings gained from the Ax-4 programme are considered vital stepping stones toward India’s upcoming Gaganyaan Mission.
Towards a New Space Era for India
Shukla’s success is being hailed as more than a personal achievement—it is seen as the start of a new chapter in India’s human spaceflight ambitions. With the Gaganyaan Mission slated for the near future and plans to establish the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, India is preparing to strengthen its role as a global space power.
Experts believe that the Ax-4 experience will prove crucial in preparing Indian astronauts, engineers, and scientists for the challenges of extended space travel. Shukla’s mission has provided valuable insights into human endurance in microgravity, advanced scientific experiments, and international cooperation in space research.
Echoes of Rakesh Sharma’s Legacy
Many citizens and officials also drew parallels between Shukla’s achievement and that of Rakesh Sharma, who famously said “Saare Jahan Se Achha” when asked by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi about how India looked from space. Shukla’s mission, nearly 40 years later, has rekindled those sentiments of national pride and global recognition.
The Road Ahead
While addressing the media briefly, Shukla thanked the citizens for their overwhelming support and dedicated his mission to the spirit of India’s scientific community. “This is just the beginning. India is ready to take bigger strides in space exploration, and I am proud to have been a part of this journey,” he said.
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As the nation celebrates his return, Shubhanshu Shukla stands as a symbol of India’s growing ambitions in space, a role model for young dreamers, and a reminder that the Tricolour is destined to fly higher in the years to come.
