NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has been in space for nearly five months, extended her warmest Diwali wishes to the people celebrating in the US and worldwide.
“Greeting from 260 miles above Earth, looking at the bright blue beautiful planet, on a very special Diwali day,” she said in her video message from the International Space Station. She fondly remembered how her father tried to keep their roots alive by telling her and her family about Diwali and other Indian festivals.
“Greetings from ISS”, Williams said. “I want to wish everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world, a very Happy Diwali.”
She furthered that being able to celebrate the festival of Diwali from space was a privileged chance. “This year, I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above Earth aboard the ISS,” she said. Williams shared how her father instilled in her and her family the importance of their cultural traditions.
Williams highlighted what the festival implies about hope and renewal. “Diwali is a time of joy because, once again, goodness in this world prevails.”
And with that, she sent an echo reminding one of the festival spirit.
Sunita Williams also thanked US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris for joining the Diwali celebrations. And for recognizing the contributions of the Indian community: “Thank you to the President and the Vice President for celebrating Diwali with our community today. And for recognizing the many contributions of our community.”
Her message also held a special significance as it came across a Diwali celebration at the White House. Thus binding up the sense of unity and celebration of diverse communities in the US.
Sunita Williams has been aboard the ISS since June, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore. The duo blasted off aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft back on June 5th, arriving at the station a day later. It was supposed to be about a week-long test flight. But their time in orbit stretched to roughly eight months thanks to a call to bring Starliner back to Earth without its crew. NASA considered it “too risky” to return Wilmore and Williams at the time.
Williams and Wilmore stay with the expedition and will head back to Earth next February. Their continuing mission underlines the spirit of exploration, as well as the celebration of culture, even from space.
ANI
