From blazing rockets to blazing trails: Indian American community applauds  Sunita Williams

- ADVERTISEMENT -

The first generation Indian Americans who grew up in India have been feeling a deep sense of pride in Williams’ safe return, her achievements and her Indian heritage. The younger generation born in the US feel Williams has been the epitome of success in one’s chosen field, however challenging.

Siya Gandhi, 21, a Psychology major at Stony Brook University, NY, told News India Times Williams’ safe returning was comforting, but her grace, discipline and determination were admirable during her long stay in space. The mental and physical strength Williams displayed has made her a true role model for all the young women looking to pursue a career in aeronautics, Gandhi said.

Finding Williams’ success in a traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration as barrier breaking, Gandhi said, “She has not only shattered gender stereotypes but has also opened doors for other women to pursue their dreams in areas that were once considered out of their reach.” She said she hopes to be like Sunita Williams, both in her career and her personal life.

- ADVERTISEMENT -

Speaking to News India Times, Devika, 21, also a Psychology major at Stony Brook University in NY, said she admires Williams’ resilience in adapting to the stressful environment in space. Patel also feels that Williams has proved that women belong even in challenging fields like space exploration.

“Her journey encourages young girls everywhere to dream big and not let anything hold them back,” she said. Williams’ staying connected to her roots while making global impact is encouraging, Patel said.

Fifteen-year old Smera Gandhi in the Class of 2027 at  Syosset High School in New York told News India Times she felt relieved at Williams’ safe return, after the challenges and risks. Williams’ story motivates her and people her age to work hard towards their goals, at the same time inspiring them to be proud of who they are, Smera Gandhi said.

Priyank Sakpal, 30, pursuing an MBA in Business Analytics degree at Pace University, told News India Times Williams’ return involved risks. “I am sure that her friends and family were biting nails, and praying for her safe return. The entire nation joined in their prayer,” Sakpal said.

Displaying courage, bravery and resilience during her long stay in space, Williams has set a new benchmark for women achievers, Sakpal said. “Her journey is a personal victory and a collective inspiration, encouraging countless others to break barriers and redefine success,” Sakpal said. “Her embracing her Indian heritage serves as a reminder that success and tradition can go hand in hand,” he added.

Twenty Nine year-old Hitasha Nagdeo holds an MS in Social Media and Mobile Marketing from Pace University and is working as a Media Intern. Nagdeo told News India Times she admires Williams’ ability to adapt. “Her journey inspires me to keep pushing limits, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing that the sky (or space!) is never the limit,” Nagdeo said.

Nagdeo said Williams has redefined what is possible for women, not just in space exploration but across industries, including decision making. Williams’ acknowledgement of her heritage reinforces Nagdeo’s own belief that we carry cultural heritage with grace and confidence, she said.

Maria Jovita Lambert, 23, pursuing an LLM degree in Environmental Law at Pace University, told News India Times her mother was in Williams’ diverse group of well wishers, following and celebrating her return. Her long stay in space was a test of her will power, Lambert said.

“Astronaut Williams’ story fills me with hope, reminding me that adventure and life-changing experiences have no age limit,” Lambert said. She said like Williams, she intends to pursue her passion, doing what she loved most. Lambert also admires Williams’ embracing her cultural identity, and finds that it broadens the realm of possibilities for countless others who see Williams as a role model.

These feelings are also shared by the first generation of Indians born in India. Health Tech entrepreneur and CEO of Soondra Foundation, Gayatri Mathur, told News India Times she felt moved by Williams’ safe return. Williams being an exceptional child with a drive to pursue her dream and achieve it is impressive, Mathur said.

Williams’ long stay in space must have been hard, Mathur said. Disruptions in even short journeys are unbearable, but Williams seems to have handled it gracefully, Mathur said, “Her perseverance and determination in doing her job was remarkable. That must be part of her resilience and part of her being an astronaut who have to face unpredictability all the time.” Mathur finds Williams a role model for young people, by opening a new road, blazing a new trail, she said.

Dr. Avinash Gupta, immediate past president of Federation of Indian Association (FIA), told News India Times that Williams’ return is a special moment for FIA. “We have a special relation with her. In 2007, FIA honored and recognized Williams at their India Day Parade in New York City,” Gupta said.

“Williams’ perseverance, excellence and breaking off barriers in a field traditionally dominated by men are inspiring. Her achievements have a global reach,” Gupta said. He said Williams’ successful career will inspire young girls to pursue unconventional professions. “If you dream big, sky is the limit,” Gupta said.

Ruta Dave, Trustee of Brahmin Society of NY and Entrepreneur, spoke to News India Times about her strong feelings. “As a Gujarati, Indian woman, this moment feels personal—like one of our own has overcome something truly difficult and made it back safely.”

Dave said, “I feel proud as an Indian. Sunita’s career is a reminder of how far we have come, how strong and capable we are on a global stage.”

As a woman, Dave said she feels inspired by Willliams. “Sunita’s journey is more than just her own success—it’s a beacon of hope for every little girl dreaming big,” Dave said. Her story will inspire generations, reminding young girls everywhere that they are capable of greatness, no matter the challenges ahead, she said.

Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, Chairman of ITV Gold and Parikh Worldwide Media, spoke to News India Times about the pride all Indian Americans feel at this moment. Williams has always been a role model for many. “She inspires our young generation to think outside the box and dare to accept challenges on a daily basis,” Parikh said. He said he hopes for more young girls and boys to take the path Willliams has taken, discover their own potential and shine.

Related posts:

Chicago-based Soondra Foundation provides cash medical emergency grants to needy in India What makes Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams the icon she is First Diwali Celebration at the Largest Hindu Mandir in USA Mahatma Gandhi Museum in Rajkot inaugurated by PM Modi