Kushal BatungeSunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, two American pilots who have been stranded in place for 107 times, are scheduled to return to Earth in February. For the past few years, residents of Williams ‘ ancestral village in India have been praying for her safe return. BBC Gujarati’s Roxy Gagdekar Chhara information.
Residents of Gujarat’s eastern Indian state of Jhulasan are proud that Williams has a link to their community.
The town was when home to Williams ‘ parents and grandparents. The cosmonaut visited the town three occasions- 1972, 2007 and 2013- after productive space missions.
Wilmore, 61, and Williams, 58, took off for an eight-day mission on 5 June but got stuck on the International Space Station ( ISS) after their Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced problems. They will then return to Earth in February 2025 with SpaceX.
In Jhulasan, visitors hold regular prayer for Williams ‘ safe return, keeping an oil lamp using as a symbol of their expectations. For her 59th day on Thursday, they’ve organised a space-themed show, hoping she’ll attend again after another successful goal.
Kushal BatungeJhulasan, a town of 7, 000, is filled with thoughts of Williams ‘ relationships. A catalogue named after her parents also stands, though in bad condition, as is her dad Deepak Pandya’s ancient home. Pandya, a scientist, died in 2020.
A school where Williams ‘ had donated money during one of her visits has a photograph of her parents in the meditation room. When Williams received a gift at the school in 2007, Kishore Pandya, the equivalent, had the opportunity to meet her.
” I went to her and said with my minimal knowledge of English,’ I am your stepson’. She shook hands with me and said,’ Oh! My stepson!’ I also cherish that time”, he said.
In 1957, Williams ‘ parents relocated to the US to pursue higher education. That, he met and married Ursuline Bonnie, and they had Williams in 1965.
The home has been to Jhulasan for the first time since Deepak Pandya left seven years later. They gave a nice welcome to the family by taking them around in a march, and it was a time of celebration for the community.
AFPBharat Gajjar, 68, who used to operate as a carpenter up next, recalled the occasion warmly. He said,” I still recall a young Sunita and some touring the village riding on animals.”
A group of people regularly pray for Williams at a nearby church, including Madhu Patel.
” We are glad of her efforts. According to Ms. Patel, NASA and the state may do everything in their power to secure our daughter’s safe return.
While they are awaiting her return, many people continue to be inspired by her job and thoughts. Manthan Leuva, who is studying for a bank test, recalls one of Williams ‘ statements.
” She said’ like what you do and you will get achievement’. I find that consideration seriously inspiring”, he said.