NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has spent nearly five months aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has extended her warmest Diwali wishes to those celebrating around the world.
In a video message shared from 260 miles above Earth, Williams expressed her unique experience of observing Diwali from space. The Indian-origin astronaut reminisced about her father’s efforts to maintain cultural roots by teaching her and her family about Indian traditions, including Diwali.
“Greetings from the ISS,” Williams began.
“I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world.”
She shared how this year she had the rare opportunity to observe the festival of lights from orbit, reflecting on the meaning of Diwali and its message of hope and renewal. Williams also acknowledged the significance of the festival, stating, “Diwali is a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails.” She emphasised that the festival symbolises hope, light, and the triumph of good over evil.
The astronaut also expressed her gratitude to US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for participating in the Diwali festivities and recognising the contributions of the community. “Thank you to the President and the Vice President for celebrating Diwali with our community today and for recognising the many contributions of our community,” she said.
Williams’s message was especially poignant, coinciding with the Diwali celebration held at the White House, an event that further underscored the recognition of Indian culture and its growing prominence in the United States.
Notably, Sunita Williams has been stationed on the ISS alongside fellow astronaut Butch Willmore since June. The two launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5 for its first crewed flight, arriving at the space station on June 6.
Though a decision was later made to return the Starliner to Earth without its crew due to safety concerns, Williams and Wilmore have continued their mission aboard the ISS. The crew’s return is scheduled for February next year, marking an extension of what was originally planned to be a week-long mission into an eight-month expedition.
Williams’s Diwali message from space has resonated with many across the globe, serving as a reminder of cultural unity and the ongoing contributions of Indian-origin individuals to the field of space exploration.
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