India is a captivating country, and my experiences there have been truly remarkable. After 12 years, I returned to India, and one of my most cherished memories is visiting my father's hometown in Gujarat in 2013. It was an emotional journey to see where he grew up and reconnect with family and friends. Unfortunately, my father is no longer with us, and I missed the opportunity to visit his home state this time around. However, I am still excited about my upcoming trip to Kerala, a place my father described as magical and home to many Indian saints. I look forward to exploring this beautiful state and attending the Kerala Literature Festival, as books have always been a significant part of my life. Reading mystery and animal books as a child and historical novels as an adult have shaped my perspective and understanding of history. My recent mission to the International Space Station (ISS) lasted nearly nine months, which taught me valuable lessons about adaptability and the importance of physical health. I missed my family and dogs, but their love and support kept me going. I am grateful for the incredible support and love I received from not only my loved ones but also strangers. When Boeing’s Starliner encountered technical issues, the decision to return on SpaceX was a challenging moment, but it was a necessary one, and I trusted the expertise of the team working on the problem. Adjusting to Earth's gravity after my return in 2025 took some time, but I am gradually regaining my physical strength. I brought items symbolizing my Indian heritage, such as the Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads, into space, as they represent the people and cultures that have shaped me. I am proud to hold the record for the most cumulative spacewalk time by a woman, and I am excited to see the progress of future generations of astronauts. My father's connection to Gujarat and my own attempts to learn the language have been meaningful, and I look forward to spending more time in the state. India's beauty from space is truly remarkable, and I was struck by the intricate network of light infrastructure connecting people across the subcontinent. The Himalayas, with their majestic mountains, reminded me of the earth's geological processes. I also noticed the fishing boats along the coast, guiding our gaze towards the shore. My fondest memories of Kalpana Chawla include her friendship and curiosity. We shared a love for nature, and I cherish the bike rides we took, always discovering something new. As for the search for life elsewhere in our solar system, I believe we will find signs of life someday, and I am eager to see what the future holds.
