Latest news with #Shubhanshu
News18
21-07-2025
- Health
- News18
'Kaju Katli & One Tight Hug': Shubhanshu Shukla's Parents Await His Return To India On August 17
'All I need is just one tight hug…" – These heartfelt words from Shambhu Dayal Shukla, father of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, seem enough to describe the emotion building quietly inside a modest home in Lucknow. After spending 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) and nearly 35 days in post-mission rehabilitation in the US, Shubhanshu is expected to 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.
Hans India
18-07-2025
- Science
- Hans India
Shubhanshu adjusting to life on Earth, says father
Lucknow: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut who along with three others returned recently from a successful space mission, is in Houston in the US, as he readjusts to life on Earth, his father said on Thursday. Shukla, or 'Shux', his call sign among colleagues and nickname for friends, splashed down on Earth on Tuesday after 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He is the first Indian on the ISS and the second after legendary Rakesh Sharma to venture into space. Right now, he is in Houston. His wife Kamna, and their six-year-old son, Kiash, are already there. Accord-ing to an official statement quoting Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Shukla and the three other astronauts of the mission will remain in quarantine until July 23 to complete medical and re-adaptation procedures. 'From the 24th, they will begin discussions with ISRO. Debriefings with Axiom and NASA will follow,' he added. 'He (Shubhanshu) said he is under excellent care; (it) is required for him to readjust to life on Earth. His wife and son are there too,' Shambhu Dayal, Shukla's father, told PTI in Lucknow. 'During our telephonic conversation, Shubhanshu appeared excited at the accomplishment that means so much for the country.' Shukla's wife, Kamna Shukla, said, 'We are in Houston and we have already met him. He is with us. 'Homecoming has happened.'' Shukla's father said the family in Lucknow was overwhelmed by the public response to Shubhanshu's achievement and they are eager to welcome him. 'It will take a while (to come to Lucknow)...but, of course, whenever he comes there would be big celebration,' he said. 'But to tell you the truth. These days every moment is celebration time for us; the entire locality is rejoic-ing with us. He is the toast of the nation. And his arrival here would only accentuate our happiness in-dex,' he added, his pride unmistakable. The excitement is equally palpable at Shukla's alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), where stu-dents and staff are preparing to honour their star alumnus. 'I am like super motivated now for a career as an astronaut. I think space is going to be the latest fad among young, all thanks to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, our illustrious senior,' Aarav Singh Chauhan, a Class XII student at CMS, told PTI. CMS Communications Head Rishi Khanna said the entire school community was proud of the astro-naut's historic journey.
NDTV
17-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Shubhanshu Shukla Readjusting To Life On Earth, Says His Father
Lucknow: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the Indian astronaut who along with three others returned recently from a successful space mission, is in Houston in the US, as he readjusts to life on Earth, his father said on Thursday. Mr Shukla, or "Shux", his call sign among colleagues and nickname for friends, splashed down on Earth on Tuesday after 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He is the first Indian on the ISS and the second after legendary Rakesh Sharma to venture into space. Right now, he is in Houston. His wife Kamna, and their six-year-old son, Kiash, are already there. According to an official statement quoting Union Minister Jitendra Singh, Mr Shukla and the three other astronauts of the mission will remain in quarantine until July 23 to complete medical and re-adaptation procedures. "From the 24th, they will begin discussions with ISRO. Debriefings with Axiom and NASA will follow," he added. "He (Shubhanshu) said he is under excellent care; (it) is required for him to readjust to life on Earth. His wife and son are there too," Shambhu Dayal, Mr Shukla's father, told PTI in Lucknow. "During our telephonic conversation, Shubhanshu appeared excited at the accomplishment that means so much for the country." The 39-year-old Indian Air Force officer, who became a national icon after his mission to ISS aboard the SpaceX's Dragon 'Grace' spacecraft, is currently with his family in Houston. Speaking to PTI from the US, Mr Shukla's wife, Kamna Shukla, said, "We are in Houston and we have already met him. He is with us. 'Homecoming has happened.'" MrShukla's father said the family in Lucknow was overwhelmed by the public response to Shubhanshu's achievement and they are eager to welcome him. "It will take a while (to come to Lucknow)...but, of course, whenever he comes there would be big celebration," he said. "But to tell you the truth. These days every moment is celebration time for us; the entire locality is rejoicing with us. He is the toast of the nation. And his arrival here would only accentuate our happiness index," he added, his pride unmistakable. The excitement is equally palpable at Mr Shukla's alma mater, City Montessori School (CMS), where students and staff are preparing to honour their star alumnus. "I am like super motivated now for a career as an astronaut. I think space is going to be the latest fad among young, all thanks to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, our illustrious senior," Aarav Singh Chauhan, a Class XII student at CMS, told PTI. CMS Communications Head Rishi Khanna said the entire school community was proud of the astronaut's historic journey. "Shubhanshu has stirred the imagination of youth and knowing well how much this space voyage of his means for India and its upcoming Gaganyaan programme, the entire 70,000-strong CMS family along with the rest of Lucknow would extend him a warm welcome whenever he visits his birth place," he told PTI. Mr Shukla's mission, which ended with a safe splashdown off the coast of San Diego, marked a milestone for India's human spaceflight ambitions. In an Instagram post on Wednesday evening, Mr Shukla shared heartwarming photos of him meeting his wife and son. "It was challenging. Coming back to Earth and holding my family back in my arms felt like home. Human spaceflight missions are magical but they are made magical by humans. Space flight is amazing but seeing your loved ones after a long time is equally amazing," he said in the post. "It has been 2 months since I entered quarantine. During the quarantine family visits we had to be 8 m apart. My little one had to be told that he had germs on his hands, and that is why he could not touch his father. Every time he would come for the visit he would ask his mom 'Can I wash my hands?' It was challenging," he wrote, advising people to value their loved ones. "Find a loved one today and tell them that you love them. We often get busy in life and forget how important the people in our lives are," he said. Mr Shukla is also part of ISRO's plan to launch the Gaganyaan, India's first human space flight, in 2027.
NDTV
16-07-2025
- Science
- NDTV
What Shubhanshu Shukla's Wife Has Planned For His Homecoming
Lucknow: Home cooked meals, quiet family time and sharing stories from earth and beyond... that's the kind of homecoming Kamna Shukla has planned for her astronaut husband Shubhanshu Shukla, the toast of the nation and only the second Indian to go up in space. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, or Shuks as he is known to his colleagues, friends and now legions of followers, splashed down on earth after 18 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Tuesday. He is the first Indian on ISS. Shubhanshu is now in quarantine in Houston. Kamna is already there with their six-year-old son Kiash. "Now that Shubhanshu has safely returned, our immediate focus will be on his rehabilitation and ensuring he smoothly readjusts to life on earth. For us, simply being reunited after this incredible journey is a celebration in itself," Kamna told PTI from Houston. "I am already preparing some of his favourite dishes, knowing how much he must have missed home cooked meals during his time in space." Kamna has been in the US ever since Shubhanshu began his prep for his lift-off on SpaceX from Florida on June 25. The couple got married in 2009. They have known each other since Class 3 when they both studied in Lucknow's City Montessori School. Kamna said phone calls from Shubhanshu were what she enjoyed the most during the 18 days he was in space. "Receiving his call from the International Space Station right after docking was an unexpected and wonderful surprise. Hearing his voice and knowing he was safe meant the world to me. Our conversations typically revolved around his daily activities, the unique experiments he conducted, and the extraordinary experiences he encountered, which were vastly different from life on earth. These phone calls became the highlight of my day through 18 days," she said. Shubhanshu is now a celebrity with posters of him all around his Lucknow home in Triveni Nagar, where his parents and relatives have been besieged with congratulatory messages. "While the nation celebrates his extraordinary accomplishment, our family will cherish quieter, personal moments of togetherness. These moments of joy, sharing familiar stories, laughter, and enjoying simple pleasures are our way of celebrating," Kamna said. "His homecoming marks a beautiful blend of personal happiness and national pride, and we are immensely grateful for all the support and warmth we've received from across the country," she added. The prolonged spells of separation which space voyages entail are painful, Kamna admitted, but added that she has adjusted to them. And such separations, in many ways, have strengthened their bond. "Being separated is undoubtedly difficult and always brings an element of pain. However, our journey with the Air Force has taught us resilience and adaptability, making these separations easier to manage over time," she said. "In many ways, these moments of separation have only strengthened our bond, teaching us patience, understanding, and unwavering support for each other's dreams. Ultimately, we embrace the idea that anything truly valuable is never attained easily." When you commit yourself to a mission or profession of such significance, you naturally learn to overcome the emotional challenges that come with distance, she said. The couple is ever mindful of the greater purpose behind "these sacrifices, recognising that significant achievements demand considerable effort and perseverance". Kamna spoke with pride of the transformation of the "shy young man" Shuks was to the famous astronaut he is today. "Seeing him interact so confidently and joyfully with students from space filled me with immense pride and happiness. Witnessing his remarkable transformation from a shy young man into a dynamic and charismatic individual capable of inspiring countless young minds is incredibly moving. "His journey demonstrates the incredible power of personal growth and resilience. His story deserves to be shared widely, and I am delighted to see him telling it eloquently and always with a genuine smile," she said. At Lucknow's City Montessori School, their alma mater, Shubhanshu is the new poster boy for students, many dreaming of a career as an astronaut. And Kamna couldn't be more delighted. "I think this is absolutely fantastic. The essence of Shubhanshu's mission was always about inspiring the younger generation to pursue STEM fields, to innovate, and to bring cutting-edge technology to India. While the path to becoming an astronaut is challenging, it's incredibly rewarding. Those who choose this path will not only achieve personal fulfillment but also bring great honour and pride to our nation," she said. Shux is also part of ISRO's plan to launch the Gaganyaan-India's first human space flight-in 2027.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Science
- Time of India
After 18 days in space, Shubhanshu Shukla is home and wife Kamna is planning something warmer than any celebration
As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla , India's new space hero, readjusts to life on Earth after his historic 18-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), his wife Kamna is preparing for a different kind of mission: bringing warmth, routine, and togetherness back into their family life. The first Indian to live aboard the ISS and only the second Indian in space, Shubhanshu, or 'Shuks' as he is known among friends and colleagues, splashed down on Tuesday and is currently undergoing quarantine and rehabilitation in Houston. Kamna and their six-year-old son Kiash are already by his side. 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Instead, she's turning to something far more intimate, home-cooked meals, shared stories, and long-awaited hugs. Live Events 'I am already preparing some of his favourite dishes, knowing how much he must have missed home-cooked meals during his time in space,' she shared. Having known each other since Class 3 at City Montessori School in Lucknow, the couple married in 2009. Their journey, from childhood classmates to partners in a spacefaring adventure, has been one of steady devotion and resilience. 18 Days of Distance, Held Together by a Voice Kamna described how, during the 18 days Shubhanshu spent orbiting Earth, their phone calls became her daily lifeline. 'Receiving his call from the ISS right after docking was an unexpected and wonderful surprise. Hearing his voice and knowing he was safe meant the world to me,' she recalled. The conversations, she said, were often filled with talk of zero-gravity routines, space experiments, and breathtaking views of Earth, stories far removed from the everyday, but ones she'll cherish forever. A National Hero, A Family's Pride Back home in Triveni Nagar, Lucknow, Shubhanshu's family home is now adorned with posters and flowers as relatives and neighbours pour in with congratulations. Yet, for Kamna, the most meaningful celebration lies in the quiet reunion of a family once again under the same roof. 'While the nation celebrates his extraordinary accomplishment, our family will cherish quieter, personal moments of togetherness,' she said. 'His homecoming marks a beautiful blend of personal happiness and national pride.' Separation and Strength Kamna is no stranger to distance. Life as an Air Force family has taught them how to cope with long spells apart. But space, she admits, was a different kind of separation. 'Being separated is undoubtedly difficult. But our journey with the Air Force has taught us resilience. In many ways, these separations have only strengthened our bond,' she said. 'We've learnt patience, understanding, and unwavering support for each other's dreams. When you commit yourself to a mission of such significance, you naturally learn to overcome the emotional challenges.' From Shy Boy to Space Ambassador Kamna spoke with pride about Shubhanshu's transformation, from a quiet young man in school to an astronaut now inspiring children across the world. 'Seeing him interact so confidently and joyfully with students from space filled me with immense pride. His story deserves to be shared widely,' she said. Back at their alma mater in Lucknow, students at City Montessori School are now dreaming of space after seeing one of their own reach the stars. Kamna believes this is precisely what Shubhanshu set out to do. 'The essence of his mission was always about inspiring the younger generation to pursue STEM, to innovate, and bring cutting-edge technology to India.' Next Stop: Gaganyaan While the dust has barely settled on his return, Shubhanshu is already linked to India's upcoming Gaganyaan mission, ISRO's first crewed spaceflight slated for 2027. If he takes flight again, Kamna will once more hold down the Earth-side of their world with grace and strength. For now, though, the only orbit that matters is the one around home. And as Kamna gets ready to serve him his favourite dishes and hear about stars, galaxies and everything in between, one thing is clear: behind every astronaut, there's a family grounded in love, patience, and quiet courage. Inputs from PTI
