Sunita’s Stellar Return

The Indian news channels are buzzing with the homecoming of Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams, after a prolonged nine-month space mission. Originally scheduled for a week, Williams, accompanied by Butch Willmore, was stranded on the International Space Station due to technical snags with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, and the nine-month stay in outer space bore serious implications both physically and mentally. While a few people consider the delayed return to be political propaganda, with former President Trump seizing the credit for their return to Earth despite having little to do with it, India has been brimming with joy and celebration as her historical homecoming evokes pleasure, pride, and relief among Indians. Her safe arrival stands as a testament to human resilience, grit and unwavering determination. By-Pratibha Goel