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Explore Sunita Williams's Indian heritage, her Gujarat connection, and her global achievements as an astronaut.
Sunita Williams, who went to space on a NASA mission for 8 days, has finally returned safely to Earth after 9 months. Her fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore has also returned with her. Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore staying in space for 9 months and then returning to Earth is a miracle of science. There are news about Sunita Williams from social media to newspapers. If you are also curious to know who Sunita Williams is, then today we are going to tell you everything about this NASA astronaut of Indian origin.
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Who is Sunita Williams?
Sunita Williams is an American astronaut and former US Navy officer. She is one of the most experienced spacewalkers in history. She has spent not a few days but months in space and has done many spacewalks. She has even run a marathon in space. Born on 19 September 1965, Sunita Williams' career has been inspiring in both the Navy and NASA. Known for her passion, courage and achievements for space, Sunita Williams has a deep connection with India.
Sunita Williams Biography
Is Sunita Williams Indian?: Sunita Williams was born in Euclid, Ohio, US. But she considers Needham, Massachusetts as her home town and is an American citizen. Her father, Deepak Pandya worked as a neuroanatomist. Deepak Pandya was born in Jhulasan in Mehsana district of Gujarat. In this sense, Sunita Williams's native village is Jhulasan. At the same time, her mother Ursuline Bonnie Pandya was of Slovenian origin. Williams has two elder siblings, a brother named J Thomas and a sister named Dina Anand.
Education of Sunita Williams
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Sunita Williams completed her schooling from Needham High School in 1983. After this, she joined the United States Naval Academy and obtained a bachelor's degree in physical science here in 1987. In 1995, she completed her master's degree in engineering management from Florida Institute of Technology.
Sunita Williams Family
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Sunita Williams' father, Dr. Deepak Pandya, is Indian-American who was born in Gujarat. Sunita Williams is proud of her Indian heritage and inspires people around the world with her accomplishments.
Here are some additional details about Sunita Williams' father and Indian connection
- He was born in Jhulasan village in the Mehsana district of Gujarat.
- He is a doctor, and worked as a neuroanatomist in the United States.
- Sunita Williams' mother is Slovenian-American.
- Sunita Williams has visited India on several occasions, and she has also visited her father's native village.
- Sunita Williams has paid tribute to her Indian roots by carrying the Bhagavad Gita and a statue of Lord Ganesha with her during her space travels.
Sunita Williams comes from a mixed cultural background, Williams is proud of her Indian and Slovenian heritage. She also took a Slovenian flag, samosa and a traditional Slovenian sausage to space to pay tribute to her roots.
Sunita Williams husband: Talking about Sunita's husband, his name is Michael Williams. He is a pilot and currently a police officer in Texas. Sunita and her husband were classmates and both have flown helicopters in the early stages of their career.
Also Read: Watch video, photos: NASA astronaut Sunita Williams journey from space to Earth
About the Author:
Kaif Ansari
