'No Borders In Space': Sunita Williams' Cousin Reveals How Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam Has Been Her Guiding Mantra

NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore undocked from the International Space Station (ISS) after an extended nine-month mission, initially planned for just eight days. Their return journey began on March 18, 2025, aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. In the final moments, Sunita Williams was seen hugging astronauts who came to replace. 

Now as the #SpaceX Dragon spacecraft leaves for Earth with stranded astronauts. talking to Republic Sunita Williams's cousin Falguni Pandya said  

"This is not her first flight, and Ganesh is with her. Her late father’s blessings are always with her," Falguni said 

She added, "Despite the anxious moments, Sunita's greatest strength has always been her faith in her team, and she completely believes in staying positive, Sunita always says don’t worry about it." 

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Sunita Williams' Cousin Falguni Pandya Shares Insights on Her ISS Stay 

Speaking to Republic, Sunita Williams' cousin, Falguni Pandya, shared personal insights into the astronaut’s life and emotions during her extended stay aboard the International Space Station (ISS). 

She mentioned that the family stays in regular contact with Sunita, saying, "I give a lot of credit to NASA. We celebrate festivals and holidays together, and she talks to her mother every day." 

Concerns About Sunita's Extended Stay in Space 

When asked about the family’s reaction upon learning that Sunita was stranded in space, Falguni admitted, "We were very concerned. We are also connected to Kalpana Chawla’s family, so there were natural worries. But we have complete faith in NASA." 

Sunita has been sending updates to her family, including pictures of Lord Ganesh floating in the ISS, believing she is protected. "She even took a picture of the Kumbh Mela from her window and sent it to me," Falguni shared. 

She added that Sunita regularly emails updates about her experiences and daily life on the ISS, sharing interesting facts about space. 

Sunita’s Perspective on Life 

Recalling Sunita’s visit to India, Falguni shared, "I was her translator during her speeches. She often said that from space, there are no borders—only one planet. She truly believes in ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (The world is one family)." 

Sunita’s Journey to Becoming an Astronaut 

When asked about how Sunita became an astronaut, Falguni explained, "She first became a helicopter pilot, and transitioning into an astronaut was a natural progression for her." 

Family’s Preparations for Her Homecoming 

Regarding Sunita’s return to Earth, Falguni revealed, "The send-off is usually grand, but when she comes back, she will first be taken to a hospital for medical care. A lot of precautions are necessary. Only after the medical evaluations are completed will we be able to meet her." 

She added that the family is looking forward to a reunion. "We will visit her after that and plan a larger get-together. We also have plans to travel the world with her, visiting different countries." 

One Thing Everyone Should Know About Sunita Williams 

Falguni concluded, "She loves to laugh; she is a joyful person. She misses home, her husband, and her dogs.  

When asked about Sunita’s fondness for her pet dogs, Falguni said, "She has a deep affection for her dogs—she has two. But beyond that, she loves all the people around her. She is a kind and loving person." 

Sunita Williams has spent almost nine months aboard the International Space Station (ISS) due to an unexpected extension of her mission. She and fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore originally set out on an eight-day test flight aboard NASA’s Boeing Starliner. However, technical issues with the spacecraft forced them to remain on the ISS for a remarkable 287 days—far longer than planned. 

After months of uncertainty, NASA and SpaceX launched a mission to bring them home. The Crew-10 mission, carried by a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft atop a Falcon 9 rocket, successfully docked with the ISS, enabling Williams and Wilmore to begin their long-awaited return journey. Their spacecraft is set to splash down off the Florida coast today, March 19, 2025. 

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