On her 60th birthday (September 19,2025), astronaut Sunita Williams is being celebrated not only for her remarkable achievements in space but also for her unwavering connection to her Indian roots. Born and raised in America, Williams has always taken pride in her Indian heritage and Hindu identity, carrying them with her wherever she goes even into space. Her journey stands as a proud reminder of how deeply the culture and dharma of Bharat can remain alive in the hearts of its children, no matter how far they may be from their motherland.
Faith in Space: Ganapati and the Gita
Sunita Williams, one of NASA’s most celebrated astronauts, has spent over nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) recently. Throughout her stay, she carried with her a Ganesh idol, keeping it close as a symbol of strength and protection. Her cousin, Falguni Pandya, revealed that Williams even shared a picture of the idol floating inside the ISS, highlighting her devotion.
When faced with the challenges of long isolation and uncertainty, it was not technology alone that sustained her spirit, but also the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita. Reciting verses in the vast silence of space, Williams drew spiritual strength from India’s ancient text, reaffirming that cultural roots can be a source of resilience even in the most adverse conditions.
A Family’s Devotion and Celebrations
Back on Earth, Williams’ family has remained equally devoted. Williams’ love for Indian traditions has always been evident. During the Kumbh Mela earlier this year, she eagerly learned about the grandeur of the festival from her cousin. In return, she sent down an iconic picture of the Kumbh Mela from space, blending her astronaut’s vantage point with her cultural pride.
A Proud Daughter of Gujarat
Williams’ Indian identity is anchored in her roots in Gujarat. Her ancestral village, Jhulasan, has offered prayers for her safety during her space travels. Villagers had also lit an Akhand Jyot (eternal flame), vowing to keep it burning until her safe return. There were also grand procession in her honour after she returned back, with prayer chants, fireworks, and students carrying her photograph to the temple.
Her connection with India has also been formal. She and her father met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2007 when he was Gujarat’s Chief Minister and again later in the United States. For Jhulasan, she is not just an astronaut but a symbol of pride who carries the village’s name across the skies.
Carrying India to the Stars
Williams has always balanced her identity as an American astronaut with her Indian heritage. From her love of Indian food to her fascination with India’s festivals and traditions, she remains a shining example of how one can embrace global achievements without forgetting one’s roots.
Sunita Williams’ story is not just about an astronaut exploring space it is about an Indian-origin daughter who carries her culture wherever she goes. From keeping Lord Ganapati by her side in the ISS to reciting the Bhagavad Gita for strength, she has shown the world how faith and heritage travel beyond borders and even beyond Earth. As she turns 60, India takes pride in celebrating not only her achievements in space but also her unbreakable bond with her roots. For millions of Indians, Sunita Williams is a reminder that while science may take us to the stars, it is culture and dharma that keep us grounded.