Lucknow: The Uttar Pradesh government is set to bestow the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman' upon five distinguished individuals, including Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, for their remarkable contributions and for bringing recognition to the state on both national and international platforms. The prestigious award will be presented at a grand ceremony in Lucknow on January 24, coinciding with Uttar Pradesh's Foundation Day.

Shubhanshu Shukla, an Indian Air Force (IAF) Group Captain and astronaut with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has earned this honor for his historic achievements in science, innovation, and space exploration. Born in Lucknow on October 10, 1985, Shukla's journey to space began with his commissioning into the IAF fighter wing in June 2006. A seasoned test pilot, he has logged over 2,000 hours of flight experience across a variety of aircraft, including the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, Hawk, Dornier, and An-32.

In 2019, Shukla was selected for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight endeavor. He underwent rigorous training at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, Moscow. On June 26, 2025, Shukla made history by becoming the first ISRO astronaut to reach the International Space Station (ISS), traveling aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. He is only the second Indian to travel to space, following Rakesh Sharma's flight in 1984. His time in space during Axiom Mission 4 totaled 20 days, 2 hours, and 59 minutes.

News of Shukla's recognition has sparked joy and pride among his family members. Shambhu Dayal Shukla, Shubhanshu's father, expressed his elation, stating that the award is a moment of immense pride for the entire family and a testament to Shubhanshu's hard work, discipline, and dedication to the nation. He highlighted the celebratory atmosphere in their home and the years of relentless effort his son invested in achieving his dreams.

The other recipients of the 'Uttar Pradesh Gaurav Samman' include Alakh Pandey from Prayagraj, founder of Physics Wallah, for his contributions to education and entrepreneurship by providing affordable and quality education through digital platforms.

Shukla's journey, from his early education in Lucknow to his achievements in the IAF and ISRO, serves as an inspiration to the youth of Uttar Pradesh, particularly those aspiring to careers in science, defense, and space. His story exemplifies the rewards of perseverance and dedication, making him a role model for aspiring astronauts and scientists.