New York: Sunita Williams has conveyed her greetings for Diwali to those celebrating in America and around the world. She shared her Diwali wishes from the International Space Station. A recorded video from Sunita was played during the Diwali celebrations at the White House.
Sunita expressed her gratitude to U.S. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for participating in the Diwali celebrations and recognizing the contributions of the Indian-American community. “This year, I have a unique opportunity to celebrate Diwali from the International Space Station, 260 miles above the Earth,” she said.
“About Diwali and other Indian festivals, my father taught us that Diwali is a time of joy because goodness prevails in the world,” Sunita added.
Sunita Williams and Bach Wilmore arrived at the space station as part of the first crewed test flight of the Boeing Starliner spacecraft on June 5 this year. During their journey to the station, the operation of thrusters that adjust the spacecraft’s travel speed faced multiple interruptions, and a helium leak occurred, causing them to become stranded at the International Space Station. Having spent five months in space, they are expected to return to Earth in February 2025.
