Indians around the world got a special Diwali message from the space as Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams sent her warm wishes on the occasion from the International Space Station.
Floating upside down in the space station as she appeared on the screen before the Tricolour for
a local TV show, Williams said, "I just want to wish everybody in India and people of Indian origin around the world a happy Diwali."
"It is a wonderful festival and I am happy we are part of it up here…," she said.
Williams, 47, spoke to Indian-origin student who as a city-based TV host interviewed her. The Tricolour was not the only Indian object accompanying her.
"I did bring a couple of things that have to do with India from my father, particularly a peaceful 'Om' that stays outside my crew quarters where I sleep and the Upanishads so I can read it while I am up here.
I have a couple of real true reminders of my Indian heritage while I am up here," Williams, dressed in a blue T-shirt and brown shorts, said. Williams expressed appreciation for the support she has received from people in India.
As she waved goodbye, Williams said she hopes to visit India next Diwali 'to say thank you to all in person'.