Lucknow: A wave of pride, emotion, and national celebration in Lucknow as Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla—an alumnus of the City Montessori School (CMS)—lifted off into space aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 as part of the prestigious Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
At exactly 12:01 pm, as the rocket pierced through the Florida skies, over a thousand eyes at CMS Kanpur Road’s World Unity Convention Centre (WUCC) auditorium welled up in awe and elation. The school hosted ‘Vyomotsav’, an immersive watch-party that transformed the campus into a vibrant ‘mini space centre’, paying tribute to its illustrious alumnus and marking a red-letter day in India’s space journey.
The event drew an eclectic mix of guests: Shukla’s proud parents and sisters, senior defence personnel, CMS faculty, and at least two thousand students, many of whom now dream of walking the same stellar path.
His mother wiped tears as she watched the rocket soar into the sky, while his father shared his pride: “This is the most joyous day of my life. I feel so fortunate.”
The successful liftoff was celebrated at the school with dhols and dance, with everyone cheering on Sudhanshu with his nickname, ‘Shux’.
The event at his school featured a live AXIOM mission broadcast, a replica of the ISS Cupola module, a ‘Defy Gravity’ photo booth, telescope viewings, and a simulated Mission Control Centre—making it part celebration, part science festival.
How a teacher convinced his parents
As Shubhanshu was on his way to the ISS, a teacher shared how he had convinced his parents to motivate him. Shubhanshu’s former teacher Nageshwar Shukla said, “I still remember going to his home when he was in Class 11 to convince his parents to let him pursue his dream of space. Initially, he thought I was there to complain, but once I explained, he understood.”
Talking to ThePrint, Nageshwar said, “Though I taught him mathematics, I saw his interest in space stations and fighter planes. We identified his interest in class 11. I was his class teacher in class 11. I know him for 24 years. He is very humble even after achieving so much. Even today, he calls me every few months to stay in touch.”
Shubhanshu’s wife Kamna is also a CMS alumnus. In a heartfelt Instagram post before launch, Shukla paid tribute to her, calling her a “wonderful partner” whose support gave his mission meaning. He shared a poignant photo of their farewell through a glass wall—an image capturing both the emotional weight of separation and the strength of their bond.
Born in Lucknow in 1985 and educated from Montessori through Class XII at CMS Aliganj, Shukla went on to graduate from the National Defence Academy and was commissioned into the Indian Air Force in 2006. With over 2,000 hours of flight experience on elite combat aircraft, he was selected in 2019 for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme and later chosen as the pilot for Ax-4.
Sharing the capsule with NASA senior Dr Peggy Whitson (mission commander) and astronauts from Hungary and Poland, Shukla’s 14-day mission will contribute to microgravity research in areas including human physiology, nutrition, and seed germination in space.
Addressing the gathering, CMS Founder-Director Dr. Bharti Gandhi said, “Many CMS students have brought us laurels, but Shubhanshu’s journey to space will forever shine as a beacon of possibility for every Indian child.”
Professor Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, President and Manager, CMS, added, “From a curious young learner in our classrooms to a pioneering astronaut, Shux’s story beautifully encapsulates our school’s mission of ‘Education for World Unity and Peace’.”
“This is a historic moment for us, we have seen him grow into this talented and amazing person. He was an all rounder since childhood,” said the principal of Shubhanshu’s school, CMS.
Just days before launch, Shukla had stirred the nation’s spirit by declaring, “Even stars are attainable… Jai Hind.” The phrase has since become a rallying cry for millions of aspiring scientists and space enthusiasts.
(Edited by Viny Mishra)
Also read: Axiom-4: IISc mentor roots for Shubhanshu Shukla. Tells him, ‘Come back safe, thesis still pending’