Sunita Williams Advocates Harmony Between Spirituality and Science
Indian-origin NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has eloquently stated that spirituality and science are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other. Speaking at a session during the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) in Kozhikode, Williams shared her perspective on how her experiences in space have deepened this belief.
A Cosmic Perspective on Life and Belief
Williams described the profound impact of viewing Earth from space, noting that the marvel of our planet and the miracles of existence prompt deep reflection. "The opportunity to be up in space and look back at Earth makes one pause and wonder how it all happened," she said. She emphasized that there must be a greater power enabling our daily lives on this planet, asserting that it is perfectly acceptable to embrace both spiritual and scientific thoughts.
When questioned about her personal beliefs and why she carried a Ganesha idol and a copy of the Bhagavad Gita to space, Williams explained, "All of that goes hand in hand when you have the ability to see the greatness of the planet." She highlighted that spirituality and science coexist harmoniously, especially when one witnesses the awe-inspiring beauty of Earth from afar.
Retirement Announcement in India: A Meaningful Coincidence
Williams expressed that it felt particularly auspicious to be in India when her retirement from NASA was announced. She viewed this timing as an opportunity to inspire others. "I think the greatest compliment for somebody doing a job is for their mentee to take over and do it better, then inspire the next generation," she remarked. This moment allowed her to pass on a message of motivation and open young minds to new possibilities.
Facing FOMO and Future Aspirations
Addressing whether she experiences a sense of "fear of missing out" regarding upcoming crewed Moon missions and other space projects, Williams admitted, "Absolutely. Who wouldn't want to go to the moon? I would love to go to the moon." She revealed that this desire was a primary reason for joining NASA initially. While she feels FOMO, she is excited to see her friends and fellow humans accomplish these missions.
Looking ahead, Williams plans to spend more time traveling on Earth after witnessing its beauty from space. "Kerala is one of the places I plan to visit," she added, highlighting her appreciation for the region.
Emotional Reflections on Space and Earth
Reflecting on her extended stay in space, which lasted over nine months, Williams shared the emotional challenges of being away from Earth. "Not to be part of the planet was sort of painful," she said. She missed simple earthly pleasures like feeling rain on her head, wind, and sand under her feet. Upon returning to Earth, she often cried, expressing a deep longing for the unique experiences of space.
Williams recounted, "Space is such an amazing place—to float like a little child and see billions of stars and the craters on the Moon so clearly." She also touched on the heartfelt support from India during her missions, saying, "It is so warming that I have been taken as a daughter of India."
A Message of Global Unity
From her vantage point in space, Williams noted that national boundaries disappear, revealing a unified planet. "When you look from space, you don't see countries; we only see the place where all of us live," she observed. She emphasized that everything—air, water—is shared, making it difficult to understand why conflicts arise. This perspective underscores her call for harmony and cooperation among all people.
Williams inaugurated the four-day KLF alongside PWD and Tourism Minister P A Mohamed Riyas at Kozhikode beach, marking a significant moment in her visit.
