Former NASA astronaut Sunita Williams inspired attendees at the Kerala Literature Festival, connecting themes of science and humanity during her first public appearance since retiring from NASA.
The ninth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), held on the picturesque shores of Kozhikode beach, was notably enhanced by the presence of Sunita Williams, a former NASA astronaut. Williams’ visit came shortly after her retirement from NASA in late December 2025, concluding a remarkable 27-year career that included record-setting spacewalks and leadership roles in missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
Williams, who recently completed an unplanned nine-month stay aboard the ISS, shared her experiences with a blend of humility and humor. She was greeted with warm applause as she took the stage at KLF, where her reputation as a pioneer in space exploration resonated with an audience primarily drawn to literature.
This year’s festival holds special significance as it marks the first major event since Kozhikode was designated as India’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Williams arrived in Kozhikode on January 21 to participate in the four-day festival, which concludes on January 25. Festival organizers highlighted her role as a bridge between the realms of science and the humanities, emphasizing the connection between cosmic exploration and everyday curiosity.
During the opening ceremony, Williams joined Kerala’s tourism minister, P.A. Mohamed Riyas, to inaugurate the event. The festival attracted a diverse array of prominent figures from politics, literature, and cinema, adding vibrancy to the gathering. In an evening session titled “Dreams Reach Orbit: Meet the Astronaut Who Touched the Sky,” Williams recounted memories from her three spaceflights, which collectively spanned over 300 days.
She spoke candidly about the profound awe she experienced while observing Earth from space, describing it as a “living, breathing whole.” Williams emphasized the importance of imagination in scientific discovery, stating, “In space, you see borders disappear. What unites us is far greater than what divides us.”
Williams also explored themes of spirituality and personal grounding, sharing how she carried small symbols of belief during her flights, including an idol of Ganesha and pages from the Bhagavad Gita. These reminders provided her with perspective during the long hours spent in orbit.
While the festival featured numerous notable figures, Williams’ presence garnered significant attention from both India’s cultural and scientific communities. Malayalam actor Prakash Raj described meeting her onstage as an uplifting experience, referring to her as “a courageous woman of our times” in a social media post.
On the following day, Williams engaged with younger audiences during a session titled “Once Upon a Time in Space.” She answered questions from schoolchildren about life beyond Earth and encouraged them to dream without limitations.
Local officials and festival leaders expressed their intent to broaden the scope of the literature festival, aiming to encompass ideas that shape the future, beyond just the written word. “Her journey reflects the spirit of inquiry that we celebrate here,” remarked one organizer.
As Williams continued her schedule, which included a final session with journalist Barkha Dutt titled “Astronaut’s Odyssey,” her message remained focused on human connection. She conveyed that her visit to Kerala was personally meaningful, allowing her to explore her heritage and engage with individuals whose lives differ significantly from her own.
According to The American Bazaar, Williams’ participation in the Kerala Literature Festival serves as a testament to the power of storytelling, bridging the gap between the cosmos and the human experience.