Lucknow: An unprecedented welcome of the 39-year-old astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla ' Shuks' with waving Indian flags, a shower of flowers and loud slogans, had turned into a historic day for the city on Monday.
Thousands of CMS students and citizens of Lucknow joined the welcome procession of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla from Lucknow Airport to City Montessori School, Gomti Nagar Extension Campus.
The ceremony started from the airport, where the students, led by CMS manager Prof. Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, gave a band performance and garlanded their proud alumnus.
After this, the procession on an open vehicle passed through the streets of the city, followed by thousands of jubilant crowds raising slogans of 'Jai Hind' and 'Jai Jagat'.
The scene of the welcome ceremony at G-20 crossing became very exciting when Shubhanshu was politely waving his hand in greeting amidst the applause of thousands of people.
Amidst the glimpses of a state ceremony, thousands of CMS students, eminent citizens of Lucknow and other distinguished guests joined the welcome procession of astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla from Lucknow Airport to the school.
The grand procession ended at CMS Gomti Nagar Extension branch. Where 3000 children welcomed him by taking out a parade. During this, Shubhanshu Shukla was also seen accepting the greetings of the children. After the parade program, Shubhanshu Shukla also did plantation outside the school.
At the same time, during the felicitation ceremony organised in CMS auditorium, Prof. Geeta Kingdon gave her welcome address when she said that Shubhanshu's achievement is not only of the school but of every Indian. He has truly realised the spirit of the school's motto 'Jai Jagat'.
We are immensely proud of him, and we wish for the unprecedented success of all his space programmes, including his Gaganyaan mission.
After this, the schoolchildren gave a colourful presentation on patriotic songs. During this, a video message from Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who reached the moon as the first Indian, was also broadcast.
During the programme, Shubhanshu Shukla, his father Shambhu Dayal Shukla, mother Asha Shukla, and wife Kamna Mishra were welcomed on the stage.
Shubhanshu's mother Asha Shukla, was weighed with fruits. During this, Bharti Gandhi in a sarcastic manner, asked Shubhanshu's wife, Kamna, "How did you choose Shubhanshu?"
On which people in the auditorium were seen clapping. While answering Bharti Gandhi's questions, Shubhanshu said, "My wife is quite visionary; she knows what is going to happen and when."
While blessing him, founder-director Dr. Bharti Gandhi said that Shubhanshu is the 'pride of the nation' and his achievement is a source of inspiration for the coming generations.
Earlier, UP Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, who arrived at the airport to welcome him, said that on his arrival in his birthplace, Lucknow, he sends a hearty welcome and congratulations to the brave group captain of the Air Force, astronaut and pride of the country, Shubhanshu Shukla.
Pathak said that today is a very special and important day for Uttar Pradesh. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who hoisted the tricolour at the International Space Centre as the mission pilot of Axiom Mission 4, is always a source of inspiration for today's young generation and the coming generations of the country.
UP BJP President Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary said that the way Shubhanshu Shukla has increased the honour and respect of our country, he is a symbol of India's strength in space.
