Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 25: As the world watched in awe the historic Axiom-4 mission liftoff from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, one mother in India sat glued to a screen — her eyes brimming with tears, hands folded in silent prayer. It was a moment of emotional intensity for Asha Shukla, mother of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (39), who on Tuesday became only the second Indian to travel to space, four decades after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma’s iconic 1984 mission.
At her modest home, Asha Shukla remained still, her gaze fixed as the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft, mounted on a Falcon 9 rocket, launched into the skies, carrying her son and three international astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS). Beside her, her husband Shambhu Dayal Shukla, beamed with pride, sharing her anxiety and eventual relief as the mission successfully soared into orbit.
Minutes after the launch, Asha Shukla managed a smile and told the media, "My son is fulfilling his dream and taking India with him into space. I only pray for his safe return. That’s all a mother can do."
Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, a decorated pilot of the Indian Air Force, has spent over a month in strict quarantine ahead of this high-stakes mission to ensure optimal health. He is joined on the Axiom-4 mission by Commander Peggy Whitson from the US, Poland’s Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski, and Hungary’s Tibor Kapu.
During their two-week stay aboard the ISS, the astronauts are expected to conduct over 60 scientific experiments, seven of which have been proposed by Indian scientists — marking yet another proud moment for Indian space research.
In a heartfelt moment hours before launch, Shukla told his parents via video call: “Bas intezaar kijiye, main waapas aata hoon (Just wait for me, I will return)." His mother, adhering to Indian tradition, offered him ‘dahi-cheeni’ virtually — a customary mixture of curd and sugar often given before embarking on important tasks, believed to bring good fortune.
The emotional scene resonated deeply with Indians across the globe, celebrating the courage of a pilot who not only carried national pride into orbit but also the undying hope and prayers of his family.
With this mission, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla has etched his name in India’s space legacy, rekindling memories of past heroes and inspiring a new generation of dreamers.