'Want Her To Come To India Soon': Sunita Williams' Indian Cousin Discusses Family's Joy As She Returns

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and three others safely returned to Earth after an extended stay in the ISS. Her cousin in India celebrated her return with joy.

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, after an unexpected stay at the International Space Station (ISS) for more than nine months, have returned to Earth and splashed down off the coast of Florida early on Wednesday. Along with them were NASA's Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.

Dinesh Rawal, cousin of Sunita Williams, has reacted to her safe return to Earth. He said that when she came down from space to Earth in the morning, they jumped with joy. "We had already lit a lamp inside the house. As soon as we heard that she had arrived, we showered flowers outside the house", he said.

Rawal said, "As soon as Sunita came out of the capsule, we started celebrating. We had lighted diyas and were praying to God for her safe return to Earth. We want her to come to India soon. We are thankful to the prime minister to showering so much affection on our family. He also wrote a letter to Sunita."

PM Modi's Special Letter To Sunita Williams

PM Narendra Modi on Tuesday wrote a special letter to Sunita Williams, who returned to earth after spending nine months in ISS. "Even though you are thousands of miles away, you remain close to our hearts," PM Modi said in the letter through astronaut Mike Massimino.

Union Minister Jitendra Singh shared a copy of the letter on social media on Tuesday. "As the whole world waits, with abated breath, for the safe return of Sunita Williams, this is how PM Narendra Modi expressed his concern for this daughter of India," Singh wrote on X.

PM Modi in the letter dated March 1 said, "I convey to you greetings from the people of India. At a programme today, I met the noted astronaut, Mr. Mike Massimino. During the course of our conversation, your name came up and we discussed how proud we are of you and your work. Following this interaction, I could not stop myself from writing to you."

PM Modi said he enquired about her when he met President Donald Trump and his predecessor Joe Biden during his recent visits to the United States.

PM Modi said 1.4 billion Indians have always taken great pride in her achievements. "Recent developments have yet again showcased your inspirational fortitude and perseverance. Even though you are thousands of miles away, you continue to remain close to our hearts. The people of India are praying for your good health and success in your mission," he wrote.

"Bonnie Pandya must be keenly awaiting your return and I am sure that Late Deepakbhai's blessings are with you as well. I fondly remember meeting him along with you during my visit to the United States in 2016," PM Modi said.

He added that Indians are looking forward to seeing her in India. "It will be a pleasure for India to host one of its most illustrious daughters," he wrote.