
'Kaju Katli & One Tight Hug': Shubhanshu Shukla's Parents Await His Return To India On August 17
'He's still in America… It's been a year since I hugged him," his father told News18, his voice filled with anticipation. Shubhanshu, who was part of the international Axiom Mission 4, launched on June 25 and docked with the ISS the next day. His return capsule splashed down safely off the California coast on July 15.
But the return to Earth is not the same as a return to life. He is still re-learning to walk, move, and function as his body adapts back to Earth's gravity.
'He's learning to walk again'
'Walking is still a struggle," said his father. 'Every day, he practices for three to four hours. He has to walk slowly, and he gets dizzy if he overdoes it. Doctors say it will take 8 to 10 more days before he's fully recovered," his father said.
Extended exposure to microgravity can weaken bones and muscles, disrupt balance, and alter cardiovascular function. Shubhanshu has been undergoing daily physiotherapy under medical supervision. In a recent social media post too, he wrote: 'Learning to walk again…"
'Just as your body changes when you go into space, it changes again when you come back. Even walking straight becomes difficult. Balance weakens. These effects cause mental stress too — but they're all temporary. The body slowly finds its rhythm again," he wrote.
A mother waits with food — and emotion
For his mother Asha Shukla, the countdown isn't to a landing capsule, but to the moment her son walks through the front door. 'He always says on video calls, 'I'm fine, don't worry,' but I can see the tiredness in his eyes. A mother knows," she said.
To keep herself busy — and hopeful — she has taken refuge in her kitchen. 'I've already started planning what to cook for him. His favourite dishes — dal baati, kadhai paneer, matar pulao, kaju katli — I'm making everything. When he comes home, he shouldn't have to ask for anything," she said, with her eyes moist.
'Just watching him eat happily… that's the moment I'm living for," she said.
A reunion that felt like home
After landing, Shubhanshu briefly reunited with his wife Kamna and six-year-old son Kiaash in the US. Hugging Kamna and lifting Kiaash into his arms, he posted on Instagram: 'Space is magical. But reuniting with loved ones — that's equally magical. When I hugged my family, it felt like I was truly home again."
He urged others to cherish their own bonds: 'Find someone you love today and tell them. We often get too busy with life and forget how important our people are. Space missions are magical — but it's people who make them magical."
Yoga in space — a metaphor for balance
A few days ago, Shubhanshu shared a video of himself performing yoga aboard the ISS. 'In the beginning, it was hard to stay still in microgravity. I just wanted to be centered, but even the tiniest movement would send me drifting," he wrote.
Drawing parallels with daily life, he said, 'Staying still in space is an art — just like finding peace in a fast-paced world. Sometimes, to run fast, you must first slow down."
Homecoming: Lucknow or Bengaluru?
Shubhanshu will land in India on August 17, though it's not confirmed if he will directly come to Lucknow or stop first in Bengaluru, home to key Indian space institutions.
'If he doesn't come to Lucknow, we'll go to him," said his father. 'But I hope he walks through our front gate. Just one tight hug — that's all I need," he added.
The city waits for its hero
But it's not just the Shukla family counting down the days.
Shubhanshu's entire locality in Lucknow — neighbours, childhood friends, schoolteachers — is buzzing with excitement. Streets where he once cycled to school are now draped in tricolour buntings. Children carry tiny flags, and families discuss plans to welcome 'their astronaut" with flowers, garlands, and dhols.
Many residents in the area still remember the humble, soft-spoken boy who once dreamed of space. 'He's not just their son any more — he's all of ours," said a local shopkeeper, adding, 'We've never had anyone from here go that far, and now he's coming back."
Even the city administration is considering a formal civic welcome, should he arrive in Lucknow.
top videos
View all
From the narrow lanes of his childhood to the vast silence of space, Shubhanshu Shukla's journey has come full circle. And as the countdown to August 17 continues, not just a family — but an entire city — waits to embrace their son, their astronaut, their pride.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


News18
6 hours ago
- News18
Deer deaths in Pune zoo due to Foot and Mouth Disease, says ICAR-NIFMD report
Pune, Jul 25 (PTI) Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) was the primary cause of death of 16 deer over a period of five days at Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Maharashtra's Pune city, civic officials said on Friday quoting a medical report. The deer had died between July 10 and 14, following which bio-samples were sent to various laboratories, including ICAR-National Institute of Foot and Mouth Disease (ICAR-NIFMD) in Bhubaneswar in Odisha, they said. 'According to the report from National Foot and Mouth Disease Research Centre, the deer had contracted Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), which is the primary cause of their death," said a statement from Pune Municipal Corporation's Garden Department. FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting cloven-hoofed animals. PTI SPK BNM Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


News18
7 hours ago
- News18
IIT KGP director introduces SETU outreach initiative for students
Kolkata, Jul 25 (PTI) Following four unnatural student deaths on campus this year, IIT Kharagpur on Friday launched a mental health and wellness framework titled SETU — Support, Empathy, Transformation and Upliftment — aimed at creating a resilient, inclusive and student-driven support system. Christened SETU@IITKGP, a human-tech renaissance in higher education, it was formally launched on Friday by IIT Director Professor Suman Chakraborty. The initiative is designed not as a standalone support service, but as a deeply integrated, tech-powered and human-centric ecosystem, an institute spokesperson said. Meaning a bridge in Sanskrit, SETU is a metaphor for turning isolation to inclusion, vulnerability to strength, distress to resilience, mind to heart, tradition to technology. marking a bold paradigm shift, the spokesperson elaborated. The rollout follows the tragic deaths of four students in 2025 — Shaon Mallik (Jan 12), Aniket Walker (Apr 20), Mohammad Asif Qamar (May 4), and most recently Ritam Mondal (July 18) — which triggered widespread concern about the mental health and academic stress among students. The spokesperson said, 'SETU offers one-on-one therapy, psychiatric care, group sessions, 24/7 online counselling (via YourDOST) and campus-wide outreach without stigma. It also includes an AI-powered emotional health monitoring embedded in halls, academics enabling real-time, culturally sensitive support through anonymous check-ins and early-alert systems." The initiative also encompasses peer-led empowerment through groups like welfare committees and hostel-level units, making wellbeing a decentralized student-driven culture. PTI SUS MNB view comments First Published: July 25, 2025, 22:00 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Mint
8 hours ago
- Mint
Kerry Riches sheds 42 pounds, reveals reason behind dramatic weight loss
Former Big Brother 2023 contestant Kerry Riches is turning heads once again, this time for her impressive transformation. The 41-year-old Essex native has lost three stone (42 pounds) in just over three months, thanks to fat-fighting injections, reports The Sun. Riches documented her weight-loss journey on social media. In side-by-side images shared on Instagram, she could be seen wearing a similar green and white patterned maxi dress, showing her progress with identical poses that highlight her slimmer body. While dropping her before-and-after weight loss photos on Instagram, reality star and former NHS manager opened up about the changes she feels in her body. Alongside the snaps, she wrote, "I have felt a noticeable difference in my multiple sclerosis symptoms and long may my health improve as my journey continues." She added, 'Three stone loss in 14 weeks. I'm starting to notice now.' The ITV2 reality personality is also known for her appearances on Good Morning Britain's heated debates. Kerry Riches shared lost 42 pounds According to the outlet, Kerry had previously shared a candid update on her health journey, highlighting the impact of her weight loss treatment. Reflecting on her progress, she told followers, "Day 56. Eight weeks on My Juniper Journey and 2 stone 2lb gone forever. I'm already feeling incredible health benefits and it's so nice to be doing this now with my Dad by my side." Beaming with pride, she added, 'I can feel actual cheekbones and a chin.' Earlier in the year, also opening up about her health struggles, Kerry had revealed, "I'm 41 years old and have lived with multiple sclerosis for almost 17 years, but the last few months have been particularly difficult." However, determined to make a change, she added, "MS symptoms are nothing short of debilitating and I know I have to do something fast. I've been advised that losing weight would be a good idea! I promise to be true and honest throughout." In 2024, she had also broken down in tears following a cancer scare. Kerry, a former Big Brother star, is making headlines for her striking weight-loss transformation and multiple sclerosis diagnosis. She has lost 3 stone (42 pounds) in three months using fat-jab injections. Her multiple sclerosis symptoms worsened earlier this year, prompting her to take control of her health. Kerry Washington follows a vegan diet that includes lean proteins, vegetables, lots of water, and smoothies. Modest weight loss means losing about 5 per cent to 10 per cent of your body weight.