‘We Jumped With Joy:’ Cousin Dinesh Rawal Shares Family’s Reaction To Sunita Williams’ Return From ISS News24 –

While the world celebrates the safe return of NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore, the happiest and relieved person are their family members. The two astronauts returned to Earth after being stranded at the International Space Station (ISS) for 9 months. Prayers and havans were performed for her safe return in Williams’ native village, Jhulasan in Mehsana district of Gujarat. Congratulations and heartfelt wishes from political leaders have poured in for Williams and Wilmore. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also welcomed the astronauts back and praised the teams behind the mission.

Cousin Dinesh Celebrates Williams’ Safe Return

In India, there is happiness across the country and people are rejoicing at the return of Sunita Williams. Speaking to ANI, Williams’ cousin Dinesh Rawal expressed his happiness about her return and said that family jumped with joy upon seeing her splashdown. He stated that God listened to their prayers and brought Williams back safely. Rawal further praised Williams and said that she is not an ordinary person and has the potential to change the world.

He said, “When she returned, we jumped with joy… I was so happy… Till yesterday, I had an unsettling feeling deep in my heart… God has listened to our prayers and brought our Suni back safely… Sunita is not an ordinary person… She will change the world…”

#WATCH | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | On Sunita Williams returning back to Earth after being stranded at the International Space Station for 9 months, her cousin Dinesh Rawal says, “When she returned, we jumped with joy… I was so happy… Till yesterday, I had an unsettling feeling… pic.twitter.com/SP2obfQMBR

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025

Rajnath Singh Praises Sunita

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh also congratulated astronauts on their safe touchdown. In an X post, Singh said that the crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space.
Singh praised Williams’ and said that her incredible journey, unwavering dedication, fortitude and fighting spirit will inspire millions across the globe.

He called her homecoming as a moment of celebration for space enthusiasts and the entire world. Defence Minister thanked all the teams behind the mission for bringing the astronauts back to the Earth safely.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh tweets, “Delighted at the safe return of NASA’s Crew9 on Earth! The crew comprising of India’s daughter Sunita Williams and other astronauts, have rewritten the history of human endurance and perseverance in Space…” pic.twitter.com/Q8w0jHPiCx

— ANI (@ANI) March 19, 2025