Sunita Williams Reflects on India’s Stunning Beauty from Space

Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams, who recently returned from a 286-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), shared her admiration for India’s breathtaking landscapes as seen from space. During a press conference, she praised the stunning view of the Himalayas and India’s vibrant cities, drawing comparisons to a historic moment from 1984.

When Rakesh Sharma, India’s first astronaut, was asked by then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi how India looked from space, he famously responded with a line from Muhammad Iqbal’s poem, Saare Jahaan Se Accha. Four decades later, Williams was posed with a similar question. Without hesitation, she responded, “India is amazing, just amazing.”

She elaborated on the awe-inspiring sight, particularly the grandeur of the Himalayas. “Every time we went over the Himalayas, we got incredible pictures. It happened like a ripple and flows down into India,” she explained. Speaking alongside fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore in their first press conference since returning to Earth, Williams provided a vivid account of her observations from space.

“I have described it before like this ripple that happened obviously when the plates collided and then, as it flows down into India, it is many, many colours. I think when you come from the East going into Gujarat and Mumbai, and (you see) the fishing fleet that is off the coast there, it gives you a little bit of a beacon—here we come,” she said.

Reflecting on India’s illuminated landscapes at night, Williams noted the intricate network of lights stretching from major cities to smaller towns. “All throughout India, I think the impression that I had was this network of lights, from the bigger cities going to the smaller cities, and just incredible to look at night as well as during the day. Highlighted, of course, by the Himalayas, which is just incredible as the forefront going down into India,” she added.

Williams’ reflections add to the legacy of astronauts who have marveled at India’s beauty from space, offering a unique perspective on the nation’s diverse and dynamic geography.