Mamata Calls for Bharat Ratna for Sunita Williams, reveals she also studied Space Science

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee called for Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams to be honored with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. 

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, Mamata expressed admiration for Sunita’s perseverance and the struggles she endured during her time in space, saying, 

"I used to follow how they endured their hardships." 

The Chief Minister also shared an interesting personal note, revealing that she is currently studying space science.

Sunita Williams, along with her team, embarked on a space mission on June 5 last year. Initially, their trip to the International Space Station (ISS) was planned to last just eight days. 

However, what was supposed to be a brief stay in space turned into an unexpected nine-month-long ordeal due to technical issues with their spacecraft. 

The team‍‍`s return was delayed multiple times, and they ended up spending a total of 286 days in space.

Finally, in the early hours of Wednesday, at 3:27 AM (Indian time), they safely returned to Earth.

Mamata, in her congratulatory message on X (formerly Twitter), extended her well wishes to Sunita and her team. 

She later reiterated her sentiments in the Legislative Assembly, expressing gratitude for the team’s perseverance and their safe return. 

“On behalf of the Assembly, I would like to thank Sunita Williams. They went through a lot of suffering. I also want to extend my gratitude to the rescue team,” she said. 

Reflecting on the dangers of space exploration, Mamata recalled astronaut Kalpana Chawla, who tragically lost her life in a space shuttle disaster. 

She continued, "Kalpana Chawla couldn’t return. There are problems with planes, but they manage to come back. I heard this spacecraft had issues similar to what happened to Kalpana Chawla. That’s why Sunita Williams and her team were stranded in space for so many months."

Mamata passionately appealed to the central government, saying, 

"Sunita is India’s daughter. I am requesting the central government to honor her with the Bharat Ratna so that she can continue her work with the utmost respect and recognition."

In another exciting development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has invited Sunita Williams to visit India. 

Her family has confirmed that she will be coming soon. To celebrate her return, a unique ‘Samosa Party’ is being planned for her! 

This is a nod to the fact that Sunita is the first astronaut to eat samosas in space, and her family has already arranged this special treat for her arrival in India.

Sunita Williams’ remarkable achievements and the recognition she’s receiving from Indian leaders highlight her incredible contributions to space exploration, and the possibility of her being honored with the Bharat Ratna adds to her already prestigious career.