Hundreds of students sat cross-legged, their eyes glued to the screen, watching a former student reach out to the stars.When asked what it felt like to see his son become a spacefarer, he paused before answering, “He is not just going to space. He is carrying Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, and all of India with him.”Born in Lucknow in 1986, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is a trained fighter pilot of the IAF. A graduate of the prestigious National Defence Academy (NDA), he was commissioned into the Air Force in 2006. He is also one of the astronauts shortlisted by ISRO for its ambitious Gaganyaan mission, expected to launch in 2027.Shubhanshu underwent astronaut training in Russia and the United States, where he specialised in orbital mechanics, emergency procedures, and scientific research in microgravity. Known for his discipline and calm demeanour, he represents a new generation of Indian space explorers — technically sound, globally trained, and mission-focused.As the rocket climbed skyward, cheers erupted in the Shukla home and outside in the lanes. Neighbours rang bells, burst firecrackers, and waved the national flag. Children chanted his name as elders distributed sweets.As Falcon-9 disappeared into the clouds, people in Aliganj looked up not just at a rocket, but at limitless possibilities. Shopkeepers of the locality downed their shutters for a minute of silent pride, temples and mosques echoed with prayers for a safe stay of their ‘very own’ among the unknown mysteries of space for the next 14 days.
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