Son docks amid stars, parents over the moon
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Lucknow: It is the biggest moment of our lives, said an emotional Shambhu Dayal Shukla, father of
Shubhanshu Shukla
, who along with three fellow astronauts reached the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Space-X Dragon spacecraft on Thursday.
Recalling how before leaving Shubhanshu had told the family, "Mission pe jaa raha hoon, poora karke milta hoon sabse (I'm going for the mission, will meet everyone once it's complete)," the proud father revealed how the 39-year-old astronaut's single-minded dedication since 2006 helped him achieve the milestone.
"Even during family celebrations, he never broke his strict diet. That discipline is what has taken him this far," he added
After the Dragon spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), an overwhelming wave of pride and emotion swept through Lucknow.
At City Montessori School (CMS), where Shubhanshu studied till Class 12, the moment was celebrated with chants of 'Bharat Mata ki Jai', 'India-India', and 'Hip Hip Hurray'.
Teachers, friends, alumni, and hundreds of students rose to their feet in a spontaneous standing ovation, waving the national flag as tears and cheers filled the air.
"As a father, there are no words that can fully express what I felt when the spacecraft docked.
My hands were folded in prayer, and my eyes were full of tears. That moment, it was not just a scientific milestone, it was our son fulfilling a dream he had chased with unshakable determination since his selection. He is our son, but today, he is the pride of every Indian," said Shambhu Dayal Shukla.
"Shubhanshu is a true devotee of Lord Hanuman and other gods. Now, we are just praying that he completes his mission safely and returns home soon," said mother, Asha Shukla.
"Watching him go from reading science books as a child to actually floating in space is beyond words. Our whole family is bursting with pride. His journey is proof that hard work, discipline, and belief can take you all the way to the stars," said, sister, Suchi Shukla.
CMS manager Geeta Gandhi Kingdon said, "We are delighted like all Indians, more so as he is an alumnus who has made all of us so proud."
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