'Swagatam, Sunita': Anand Mahindra welcomes Astro Suni after safe return from space

Industrialist Anand Mahindra on Wednesday expressed his relief and joy at the safe return of NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, landed back on Earth after an extended nine-month stay at the International Space Station.

Mahindra Recalls Meeting with Williams

Mahindra shared his thoughts on social media platform X, recalling a meeting with Williams in Washington nearly two years ago. "When the SpaceX rescue mission was launched, I recalled this chance encounter almost two years ago with @Astro_Suni in Washington," he posted.



He described the successful splashdown as "an enormous relief" and lauded Williams' bravery. "She is courage personified and it's good to have her back amongst us...Swagatam, Sunita..." he wrote.

A 'Washington Moment' with Williams

Mahindra also tagged a previous post from June 25, 2023, which featured a picture of himself, Mukesh Ambani, and Vrinda Kapoor with Williams. He recounted the circumstances of that meeting: "I suppose this was what they would call a 'Washington moment.' After the tech handshake meeting yesterday, Mukesh Ambani, Vrinda Kapoor & I were continuing a conversation with the Secretary of Commerce & missed the group shuttle bus to the next lunch engagement."

He further wrote, "We were trying to call an Uber when we ran into NASA astronaut Sunita Williams @Astro_Suni. Time for a selfie & we also asked if we could hitch a ride on her space shuttle instead of an Uber.."

Delayed Return Due to Spacecraft Glitch

Williams and Wilmore had initially planned an eight-day mission, but their stay extended to nine months due to technical issues with their Boeing spacecraft. The duo finally returned to Earth on Tuesday.

Williams' Indian Connection

Williams, 59, is a former US Navy captain and has strong Indian roots. She was born in Euclid, Ohio, to a Gujarati father, Deepak Pandya, from Jhulasan in Mehsana district, and a Slovenian mother, Ursuline Bonnie Pandya. She has previously spoken about her Indian heritage and her connection to Gujarat.