“Have The Unique Opportunity To Celebrate Diwali From 260 Miles Above The Earth On The ISS”: Sunita Williams Says In A Video Message | Watch

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has spent nearly five months in space, extended heartfelt Diwali wishes to those celebrating the festival across the United States and worldwide.

In a video message from the International Space Station (ISS), the Indian-origin astronaut shared, “Greetings from the ISS. I want to extend my warmest wishes for a Happy Diwali to everyone celebrating today at the White House and around the world.”

Watch the video here:

Williams reflected on her unique opportunity to observe Diwali from 260 miles above Earth, recalling her father’s dedication to keeping their cultural heritage alive by teaching her and her family about Diwali and other Indian traditions. “This year I have the unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from 260 miles above the earth on the ISS…My father kept and shared his cultural roots by teaching us about Diwali and other Indian festivals,” she added.

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Emphasizing Diwali’s themes of hope and renewal, Williams spoke about the joy of the festival as goodness triumphs. She also expressed gratitude to US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for participating in Diwali celebrations and recognizing the community’s contributions. “Diwali is a time of joy as goodness in the world prevails…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.

Her message was particularly touching as it coincided with a special Diwali celebration at the White House. Notably, Williams, along with astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been stationed at the ISS since June. The pair launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner on June 5, reaching the ISS on June 6 for what was to be the spacecraft’s first crewed mission. However, after NASA determined it was “too risky” to bring Wilmore and Williams back on Starliner, the spacecraft returned uncrewed on September 6. Wilmore and Williams have since continued their work as part of the ISS expedition, with plans to return to Earth in February next year, extending what would have been a week-long mission to nearly eight months.

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