Sunita Williams: Although NASA astronaut Sunita Williams was born and raised in the United States, she has never been far from her Indian heritage. During her visit to India in 2013, she spoke about how the land’s influences have always been close to her heart. From taking a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to space, to celebrating Diwali aboard the International Space Station (ISS), her love for India shines brightly.
On June 5, 2024, Sunita Williams, along with fellow astronaut Barry Wilmore, embarked on a mission to the ISS aboard the Boeing Starliner. While the original plan was for a 10-day stay, unforeseen spacecraft issues extended their stay to nine months. Now, they are set to return to Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon on March 19.
Even in the vastness of space, Williams has always carried a piece of India with her. Here are five heartfelt quotes from her, made over the years, about her deep connection with India and its culture.
-
Carrying Ganesha To Space
“I really appreciate my Indian heritage and I really appreciate that I was able to bring a part of it with me to space. Ganesha has always been in my house and everywhere where I have lived, I had a Ganesha. So, he had to come with me to space, of course.”
-
Taste Of Home In Space
“Indian food! You can never get enough of Indian food… I had to make sure I had samosas in space with me.”
Williams’ love for Indian cuisine is evident, and she even ensured that samosas made their way to space during her Starliner mission. NASA allows astronauts to select their preferred foods before their journey, and, for Williams, an Indian treat was a must.
-
Seeking Wisdom Among The Stars
“The Bhagavad Gita … I bought myself a small copy, an interpretation of the Upanishads, and a copy of the Odyssey. I thought these (books) were quite appropriate to carry to space and reflect upon and read about.”
-
Inspiring Young Indian Minds
Williams has always been keen to inspire young Indian minds, encouraging them to dream big and reach for the stars, just as she did. In April 2013, she told ABP Ananda, “The reason that I keep doing that is because these things (the Bhagavad Gita and the letter from her father) are dear to me and is the connection with the people, especially here in India. One thing I like to emphasise to kids in this country is that I am just like them and that if they want to be an astronaut or a scientist, they can do that. The world is open to them. I am just like them. I was a little girl with really long hair at one time.”
-
Celebrating Diwali In Space
“Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating the festival of lights today in the White House and around the world. This year, I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above the Earth on board the ISS. On this day, I specifically remember my father who immigrated to the US from India. He kept and shared his cultural roots by teaching us about Diwali and other Indian festivals. Diwali is a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails. I am so thankful to have grown up in a multicultural household where our parents encouraged us to seek opportunities and reach for the stars.”
Sunita Williams’ father, Dr Deepak Pandya, was born in village Jhulasan of Gujarat’s Mehsana district, and moved to the United States to pursue a career in neuroanatomy. After his passing in 2020, his ashes were brought to India and immersed in the Narmada river.
The writer is a senior independent journalist.
