NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams have come back to Earth after a surprise nine-month stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Initially planned for a short-term visit, technical problems with Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft prolonged their stay in space. Their return has been met with smiles and elation. William’s relatives in India, are organising a warm welcome for her.
Indian Family Awaits For Sunita Williams’s Visit
Sunita Williams has returned to Earth after spending 9 months in space, approximately 121 million miles away. She arrived at 10:00 PM GMT. During her time in space, she logged the second-most hours of any US astronaut. Sunita is a source of pride for the 1.5 billion Indians. pic.twitter.com/BjcVNaZwiv
— Liberal Bengali (@LiberalBengali) March 19, 2025
Sunita’s Indian family is looking forward to her coming back. Her sister-in-law, Falguni Pandya, was excited at the possibility of having some quality time with her after such a long time. A family trip is in the making, bringing forth the desire to get together and become closer as a family. Falguni said, ‘We are also planning on going on vacation together. There is going to be a lot of family time.’
As reported by TOI, throughout her stay on the ISS, Sunita Williams’s family kept her connected to her roots. On her 59th birthday, on September 19, her cousin sent her Kaju Katli, an Indian sweet. This pleased Williams, who enjoyed her special day in space with a bit of home. Her cousin explained, ‘She was very excited. She told me that she would share her experience with me .’
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Indian Roots And National Pride
What a amazing letter from our hon’ble PM Modi ji to #SunitaWilliams pic.twitter.com/Rd4RFUBGMA
— Sachin Punekar 🇮🇳 (@PunekarSays) March 18, 2025
The roots of Williams are deep in India. Her father, Deepak Pandya, hails from Jhulasan, Gujarat, and she has always felt very Indian. Her Indian family remembers this connection with love and pride.
Falguni pointed out, ‘India is her father’s homeland. She receives the affection of India and Indians, and I know she will return. It’s a question of timing, schedule, and logistics.’
To mark her success and her special connection with India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote to Williams a letter conveying the nation’s pride in her success. This resonates with many Indians who regard her as a representation of excellence and a cultural bridge.
As Williams departs to visit India, her nation and constituents eagerly anticipate her victorious return and the enduring ties binding her to her homeland.
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What are your thoughts on Sunita Williams’s incredible journey and her special connection with India?
Cover Image Courtesy: @sagarcasm/X
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First Published: March 19, 2025 2:29 PM