Sunita Williams’ Ancestral Village in Gujarat Erupts in Joy After Her Return From Space
Gujarat: Celebrations broke out in a remote village in Gujarat as news of astronaut Sunita Williams’ safe return to Earth after a record-setting mission in space reached her ancestral home. The NASA astronaut, with Indian roots, spent over 9 months aboard the International Space Station, contributing to key scientific experiments and space station operations.
The village of Jhulasan, near Mehsana, transformed into a mini carnival as locals organized processions, set up traditional folk dances, and distributed sweets in her honor. Children carried banners that read “Welcome Home Sunita Didi,” while elders chanted prayers of thanks at the village temple.
A Hero’s Homecoming — from Afar
Although Sunita Williams has yet to visit the village in person following her latest space journey, her relatives who reside in Jhulasan received phone calls and messages from her post-landing. “She told us she’s safe, happy, and honored to represent India on a global platform,” said one family member.
The event marks yet another proud moment for the people of Gujarat and India at large, as Williams continues to be a beacon of inspiration for young girls interested in science, aviation, and space exploration.
From Gujarat to the Galaxy
Born in Ohio to an Indian-American father from Gujarat and a Slovenian mother, Williams has logged more than 300 days in space across multiple missions. Her most recent mission was part of NASA’s extended orbital experiment program, where she worked on everything from microgravity biology to spacecraft maintenance.
In her previous missions, Williams had already achieved several records including the most spacewalks by a woman and the longest cumulative space time for a female astronaut. This mission added more milestones to her name, cementing her status as one of NASA’s most accomplished astronauts.
National and Global Recognition
Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted his congratulations, saying, “India is proud of you, Sunita! Your journey inspires an entire generation to dream beyond the skies.” The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) also issued a statement of appreciation, noting her vital contributions to international space collaboration.
Williams has previously visited India and expressed a deep emotional connection with her roots. During a past visit, she famously said, “My soul is Indian,” — words that now echo proudly through the streets of Jhulasan.
As the village continues to celebrate, plans are already being made to honor her legacy with a dedicated science wing in the local school, named after the astronaut who proved that the sky is not the limit.
