The Hindu : National : Kalam, Vice-President greet Sunita

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Kalam, Vice-President greet Sunita

Relatives in Ahmedabad break into spontaneous celebrations

— Photo: AP

TIME TO REJOICE: Relatives and well wishers of astronaut Sunita Williams celebrate the safe return of the Atlantis space shuttle, in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

NEW DELHI: President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam on Saturday congratulated Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams on creating a “new space record” by spending more than six months aboard the International Space Station.

In a message, Mr. Kalam greeted Ms. Williams on her return to earth after successful completion of her mission, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesman said.

Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekhawat, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi also hailed her achievement.

On behalf of the Prime Minister, Information and Broadcasting Minister P.R. Dasmunsi said he was conveying the happiness of the people of the country on her spectacular achievement.

Mr. Dasmunsi, who was talking to reporters after UPA-Left Presidential candidate Pratibha Patil filed her nomination, said: “Just as Sunita Williams has gone to space, Pratibha Patil will also reach Raisina Hills.”

In Ahmedabad, relatives of Ms. Williams broke into spontaneous celebration as news of her safe return came in. “We have been anxiously following the return journey of Altantis since the last three days,” said Chayaa Pandya, a cousin.

“The tension that had built up among the family members since the last couple of days gave way to celebration as we received the news of her safe landing early this morning.”

According to Ms. Pandya, most of the relatives were wide awake even past midnight. “As soon as we received the news [of the safe landing], our happiness knew no bounds and we burst crackers, distributed sweets and danced in joy.” “We have not contacted Sunita yet. We will be calling her father in New Jersey this evening,” Ms. Pandya said. — PTI

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