Sunita Williams Family: From Kaju Katli to a much awaited vacation: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams family in India planning a grand welcome? |

Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has returned to Earth after an surprising nine-month keep aboard the International Space Station (ISS). She returned to the planet with a splashdown in the waters off Florida’s coast, bringing her mission to a shut after an surprising extended keep.
Williams, alongside along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, had initially flown to the ISS in June 2024 to take a look at Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, however problems with the spacecraft’s propulsion system saved them in house much longer than anticipated. The astronauts have been finally reassigned to NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission, which led them dwelling for his or her most awaited arrival right here.

Sunita Williams’ family in India expects the astronaut for a candy time in India

According to NDTV, Williams’ family expressed their pleasure at her protected return. Falguni Pandya, her sister-in-law, mentioned, “That moment was surreal”. She confirmed that Williams could be visiting India quickly, including, “We don’t have exact dates, but she’s definitely going to come to India soon. I hope this year.”
Talking in regards to the astronauts’ return to the Earth, her family residing in India sounded excited, joyful and keen to spend time collectively after such a lengthy interval aside. “We are also planning on going on vacation together. There is going to be a lot of family time,” she mentioned.

Villagers watch a NASA dwell stream as they collect to pray for the protected return of NASA astronaut Suni Williams, also called Sunita Williams, from the International Space Station (ISS), at a temple in her ancestral village Jhulasan in Mehsana district of Gujarat state, India, Wednesday, March 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Ajit Solanki)

Sunita’s cousin additionally shared that she had despatched Kaju Katli, a fashionable Indian candy, to Williams for her birthday on September 19, when the astronaut celebrated her 59th birthday in house. “She was very excited. She told me to tell her everything about it”, and whereas the Indian origin astronaut was fairly joyful consuming her favorite Indian candy in house, we’re positive there will likely be extra when she comes again to her roots in India.

Falguni shared in regards to the astronaut’s particular connection to India and mentioned, “India is her father’s ancestral land,” referring to Williams’ father, Deepak Pandya, who hailed from Gujarat. “She feels the love from India and Indians, and I know she will come back. It’s just a matter of timing, schedule and logistics,” as reported by NDTV.

PM Modi writes a particular letter for Williams

Prime Minister Narendra Modi additionally expressed his admiration for Williams, writing a letter to the astronaut on March 1, expressing how proud the Indian individuals are of her achievements.

PM Modi wrote, “1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in your achievements. Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance.” He additionally expressed his eagerness to meet Williams, saying, “After your return, we’re trying ahead to seeing you in India. It will likely be a pleasure for India to host one in all its most illustrious daughters.