'My Son Has Made Nation Proud': Shubhanshu Shukla's Father On Historic Space Mission

Last Updated:June 25, 2025, 13:27 IST

Shubhanshu Shukla’s father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, expressed immense pride as his son embarked on the historic Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station.

Shubhanshu Shukla's father Shambhu Dayal Shukla (L)/ Shubhanshu Shukla (R)

As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla scripted history by flying to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Axiom-4 mission, his father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, spoke to CNN-News18 and said he was filled with pride, gratitude, and blessings.

“I am feeling very happy. It’s a proud moment for us," said the visibly elated father.

“My son has made the nation proud," he said.

Describing Shubhanshu’s journey as one of perseverance and focus, Shambhu Shukla credited his son’s unyielding dedication for the achievement.

“Only 10 per cent of it is our support, 90 per cent is Shubhanshu’s hard work," he said.

“He was never nervous. He always enjoyed his work and stayed focused," Shubhanshu Shukla’s father said.

He recalled how Shubhanshu’s ambition took shape early on during his training days.

“After joining the Union Public Service Commission’s NDA, he made up his mind to work hard and become a fighter pilot. He has always taken everyone along with him, never leaving anyone behind," he said.

The mission to the ISS is seen as a precursor to India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, something Shubhanshu has also been preparing for.

“My son was preparing for Gaganyaan. This mission is a step in that direction," said Shambhu Shukla.

The proud father also noted that physical and mental discipline were the key to his son’s journey.

“Shubhanshu was always physically fit. He worked very hard on his physical strength," he added.

With the successful launch now complete, the family continues to keep their hopes and prayers strong for his safe return.

“This is a big mission for Shubhanshu. I will keep praying for the successful completion of the mission and his safe return."

With a message of optimism, Shambhu Shukla said, “There is no work that cannot be done. With hard work, anything is possible."

The much-delayed Axiom-4 mission blasted off from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida at 12:01 pm IST towards the ISS amid cheers from watch parties organised across the world, including at Shukla’s City Montessori School in Lucknow, where his parents witnessed the historic launch.

The Lucknow-born Shukla, former NASA astronaut Mission Commander Peggy Whitson, Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Tibor Kapu of Hungary are part of the Axiom-4 mission that marks the return to space for the three nations.

Shukla became the first astronaut to travel to the International Space Station, a journey that comes 41 years after Rakesh Sharma’s eight days in orbit as part of the then Soviet Union’s Salyut-7 space station in 1984.

ALSO READ | ‘Without You…’: Shubhanshu Shukla’s Emotional Note For Wife Ahead Of Space Journey

Vani Mehrotra

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks.

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