Video of Sunita Williams' Comments on Bhagavad Gita and Ganesh Idol Goes Viral But There's a Catch

New Delhi: A video featuring astronaut Sunita Williams answering a journalist’s question at a press conference has recently gone viral, with users claiming that Williams credited the Bhagavad Gita and a Ganesh idol for helping her return safely to Earth after a nine-month space mission. 

In the video, Williams says, “I really appreciate my Indian heritage and was glad I could bring part of it with me to space. Ganesh has always been in my house, everywhere I have lived, I had Ganesh and so he had to come with me to space. Indian food, you can never get enough of Indian food. I always make sure I have samosas in space with me. Bhagavad Gita, this last time I brought a small copy interpretation of Upanishad with me. I also brought along the Bhagavad Gita, the Odyssey and I thought that was also quite appropriate to be in space and have those types of things to reflect and read.”

The Truth Behind the Viral Video

While the statements made by Williams in the video are indeed accurate, they are not recent. This interview dates back to 2013, following her second mission to space, Expedition 32/33, which ran from July 14 to November 18, 2012. 

The video was initially shared on YouTube on April 2, 2013, and shows Williams speaking about her experiences in space and the influence of her Indian heritage, during a visit to Delhi. 

It was part of an event where she addressed students at the National Science Centre. The comments made by Williams about the Bhagavad Gita, Ganesh, and Indian food were part of her reflections on the mission and her background, rather than recent statements.

Why the Video Is Going Viral Now

The video has recently resurfaced, and users are now circulating it as though it were a fresh interview. 

This has led to some confusion, with people mistakenly believing that Williams' words are connected to her most recent space mission. However, the timing of the video makes it clear that these reflections were shared long ago, in 2013, after her successful completion of Expedition 32/33.