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Sunita Williams’ homecoming brings pride to her Gujarat roots
Sunita Williams, Butch Wilmore return safely after nine-month ISS mission; India celebrates, Jhulasan villagers hold grand prayers.
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NASA’s SpaceX Crew9 touched down at Johnson Space Center’s Ellington Field in Houston. / X/ NASA
A wave of elation swept across India as NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, safely returned to Earth after a prolonged nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The successful splashdown of their SpaceX capsule in the Gulf of Mexico on Wednesday sparked celebrations that resonated from the corridors of power in Delhi to the humble lanes of Jhulasan, Williams’ ancestral village in Gujarat.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a heartfelt message on X, hailed the astronauts’ journey as "a test of grit, courage, and the boundless human spirit." He praised Williams as a "trailblazer and an icon," acknowledging her unwavering determination in the face of the vast unknown. President Droupadi Murmu echoed these sentiments, congratulating the entire team and highlighting Williams' "perseverance, dedication, and never-say-die spirit."
Also read: Sunita Williams returns to Earth after drawn-out mission in space
The national outpouring of pride stemmed from the unexpected extension of Williams' mission. Originally slated for a short duration, the Boeing Starliner spacecraft malfunctioned, leaving the astronauts stranded on the ISS until a replacement could be arranged. This unforeseen delay intensified the anticipation and prayers for their safe return.
Nowhere was the joy more palpable than in Jhulasan, the ancestral village of Williams’ father, Deepak Pandya. Residents, who had been anxiously awaiting her return, erupted in jubilation as the landing was broadcast live. The village temple, where an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame) had been burning for nine months, became the epicenter of the celebrations.
"We have been praying for her safety," said Navin Pandya, Williams’ cousin. "We have planned a grand procession with her photograph, accompanied by prayer chanting and fireworks, just like Diwali and Holi."
The villagers had maintained a constant vigil, performing yagnas and offering prayers for her well-being. The Akhand Jyot, a symbol of their unwavering faith, will be ceremonially extinguished after the procession, marking the successful completion of her mission.
Vishal Panchal, the head of the village’s primary school, spoke of the immense pride the community felt for Williams’ accomplishments. "She has inspired us all," he said. "We eagerly anticipate her next visit to her ancestral homeland."
Sunita Williams, a Padma Bhushan recipient and record-holder for the most spacewalking hours by a female astronaut, has long been an inspiration to millions, particularly young girls aspiring to reach for the stars. Her connection to Jhulasan, where a library is named after her family, reinforces her deep-rooted ties to her Indian heritage.
Her past visits to India, including after previous space missions, have cemented her status as a role model. Her stories of bringing samosas to the ISS and carrying a Ganesh idol as a "good luck charm" have resonated deeply with her Indian audience.
Furthermore, her close friendship with the late Kalpana Chawla, another astronaut of Indian descent, highlights her commitment to space exploration and her resilience in the face of adversity.
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