UP announces scholarship in astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s name | Lucknow News

Lucknow: Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, the first Indian to go up to the International Space Station, received a rousing welcome on his return to Lucknow on Monday. The city boy and his family were felicitated at an event organised by the state govt at Lok Bhawan, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announcing a scholarship in his name for students studying space technology.“After four decades, an Indian had the opportunity to travel to space. We are fortunate that this opportunity was given to Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who was born in Lucknow. He has come to Lucknow for the first time after his successful journey, and his arrival brings joy to all of us. Every Indian watched his space journey with great faith and hope,” the CM said. Earlier in the day, the CM met Shubhanshu at his official residence.At the event in Lok Bhawan, Shubhanshu was presented with a shawl and a memento, while his wife and parents were also honoured. Govt also showed a short film based on his space journey. The CM mentioned that Shubhanshu’s father was an officer in the state’s secretariat administration and that astronaut, like his father, brought pride not only to UP but to the entire nation.“Some time 3-4 years ago, there were no courses related to space technology were offered in any university or institution in the state. Currently, more than a dozen technical institutions in the state are offering courses in space technology, indicating that UP is actively participating in India’s development journey,” he said.Elaborating on the importance of space technology, Yogi said that it could be used for better management of natural disasters. He added that he held discussions with Isro chairperson V Narayanan about space travel, including Shubhanshu’s mission, and future space programmes and possibilities.Highlighting that Shubhanshu’s experience could lead to more active involvement of UP and India’s youth in this field in the future, the CM said that this occasion was not only an opportunity to develop the space sector but also provided direction for dealing with natural disasters.“Central govt has taken rapid steps in the space sector over the past 11 years. Through Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s journey, we can take significant steps towards achieving the Gaganyaan mission in 2027 and the 2047 goal. Early warning systems have been installed in the state to deal with natural disasters. We are making efforts to deliver disaster information to people through satellites and remote sensing stations. We cannot avoid our responsibility by saying that disasters cannot be controlled. These challenges can be faced with technology,” the CM said.Shubhasnhu said that when India launches its first mission, it would be the fourth nation to do so. He also expressed his joy at his welcome in Lucknow, saying that it was twice as warm as the welcome accorded to him in Delhi. “Seeing the affection and love here, I truly understood the real meaning of ‘muskuraiye aap Lucknow mein hein’. More than 2,000 selfies were taken today alone,” he said.