President, nation join in welcoming back Sunita Williams

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday congratulated the entire team behind the safe return of "India's daughter" Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts to Earth, saying they have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit.

"Their historic journey is a tale of determination, teamwork and extraordinary courage. I salute their unwavering resolve and wish them excellent health!" Murmu said in a post on X.

"Congratulations to the entire team behind the safe return of NASA's Crew 9 mission on Earth! India's daughter Sunita Williams and her fellow astronauts have inspired everyone with their perseverance, dedication and never-say-die spirit," Murmu said.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi also said NASA astronaut Sunita Williams’ return to earth at the conclusion of the scientific mission to the space station was more than a homecoming. It was a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement, he said.

Welcoming Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore on their successful mission, the Governor said months in the unforgiving expanse of space tested the limits of endurance, adaptability and resolve. "Yet you conquered every challenge with unwavering determination and resilience," Ravi said.

In a post on the official handle of the Raj Bhavan, the Governor said, "Your return is more than a homecoming; it is a historic triumph of perseverance, proving that determination and courage transform adversity into achievement. May your journey ahead open new frontiers and inspire future explorers to push the boundaries of the cosmos."

Former Chief Minister and AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said in a post, "Saluting the resilience of #SunitaWillams & #ButchWilmore for surviving unplanned 9 long months in space, facing uncertainty & challenges."

"Especially @Astro_Suni! She stood strong—an epitome of courage & determination. Her journey is not just about space exploration but about women’s strength & empowerment. As an Indian-origin astronaut, her exemplary journey is a testament to perseverance," Palaniswami said.

He welcomed home Crew 9 Team of four to Earth and said "your story will continue to inspire generations. @NASA @SpaceX #Dragon @AIADMKOfficial."

Industrialist Anand Mahindra also on Wednesday said it was an "enormous relief" to see Sunita Williams land back safely on earth while recalling a chance meeting with the American astronaut in Washington two years ago.

"When the SpaceX rescue mission was launched, I recalled this chance encounter almost two years ago with @Astro_Suni in Washington," Mahindra posted on X.

It was an enormous relief to see her and her colleagues' successful splashdown back on earth a few hours ago, he added.

"She is courage personified and it's good to have her back amongst us...Swagatam, Sunita..." Mahindra wrote.

The Mahindra group chairman also tagged his earlier post of June 25, 2023 with a picture of himself, Mukesh Ambani and Vrinda Kapoor with Williams.

"I suppose this was what they would call a 'Washington moment.' After the tech handshake meeting yesterday, Mukesh Ambani, Vrinda Kapoor & I were continuing a conversation with the Secretary of Commerce & missed the group shuttle bus to the next lunch engagement," he had posted at that time.

"We were trying to call an Uber when we ran into NASA astronaut Sunita Williams @Astro_Suni Time for a selfie & we also asked if we could hitch a ride on her space shuttle instead of an Uber.." he wrote on X.