From the vantage point of space, India's beauty is undeniable, according to NASA astronaut Sunita Williams, who has spent a total of 286 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Williams, of Indian-American descent, has frequently shared her experiences of viewing Earth from orbit, offering a unique perspective on her ancestral homeland. During a recent visit to India, Williams reflected on her time in space and the profound impact it had on her understanding of the planet and its people.
"India is amazing, just amazing!" Williams exclaimed, describing the breathtaking view of the Himalayas. She noted that each time the ISS passed over the Himalayas, the views were incredible, like a "ripple, flowing down into India". The astronaut also highlighted the vibrant colors of the Indian landscape, especially when flying over Gujarat and Mumbai. She described the fishing fleets off the coast as beacons, with networks of lights connecting larger cities to smaller ones.
Williams, who recently retired from NASA after a career spanning nearly three decades, emphasized how viewing Earth from space changes one's perspective. She remarked that the divisions and differences that often separate people seem insignificant when viewed from such a distance. Space, in her view, fostered a sense of unity and highlighted the importance of collaboration among nations. "It changes one's perception about people having any differences. It makes you feel like we are just one, and we all should work closer and easier together," she stated.
In 1984, Rakesh Sharma, India's first astronaut, famously said "Saare Jahaan Se Achcha" when asked by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from space, a line from a patriotic poem. Four decades later, Williams echoed this sentiment, captivated by the stunning vistas of the subcontinent and its tapestry of human connection illuminated at night.
Williams also expressed excitement about India's growing space ambitions, particularly NASA's upcoming Axiom mission, which will include Indian Air Force test pilot and ISRO astronaut Subhanshu Shukla. She acknowledged the importance of having a "hometown hero" to share the wonders of the International Space Station.
During her time at the ISS, Williams carried elements of her Indian heritage with her, including images of the Bhagavad Gita and samosas, celebrating Diwali 260 miles above the Earth. Williams' experiences serve as a reminder of Earth's beauty and the shared responsibility of its inhabitants.
