Sunita Williams’ Ancestral Home Near Vijay Mandir, Vidisha
Vidisha, a historic city in Madhya Pradesh, has a special connection with NASA astronaut Sunita Williams. Her ancestral home is located near the famous Vijay Mandir in Vidisha. Former Member of Parliament (MP) Pratap Bhanu Sharma extended an invitation to her to visit the city, which she gladly accepted and expressed her desire to visit in the future.
Former MP Pratap Bhanu Sharma’s Meeting with Sunita Williams
Former Vidisha MP Pratap Bhanu Sharma met Sunita Williams in Mumbai about 11-12 years ago at the Taj Mahal Hotel. Arrangements for the meeting were made through the Indian government, as she was under security cover. During their interaction, he informed her about her ancestral roots in Vidisha, which made her very happy.
Ancestral Journey: From Vidisha to the United States
Sunita Williams’ family originally hailed from Vidisha. Her great-grandfather, Brijgopal Pandey, lived there with his family. Around 112 years ago, they embarked on a pilgrimage to Kashi (Varanasi). Tragically, her grandparents passed away in Kashi, leaving behind their young children, including Sunita’s father, who was just eight years old at the time.
Instead of returning them to Vidisha, some monks took the children to Nardipur village near Mehsana, Gujarat. There, a wealthy businessman, Bhogilal Rajaram, adopted them, provided them with education, and later moved them to Mumbai. Eventually, Sunita Williams’ father migrated to the United States, where she was born and raised.
Role of Religious Scholar Govind Prasad Shastri
Pandit Govind Prasad Shastri, a religious scholar from Vidisha, played a crucial role in tracing Sunita Williams’ ancestral history. He gathered documentary evidence and, through former MP Pratap Bhanu Sharma, delivered it to her family.
Sunita Williams’ Own Acknowledgment of Vidisha Roots
In a 2007 interview, Sunita Williams herself confirmed her connection to Vidisha, stating, “I am originally from Vidisha.” This statement reaffirmed her Indian heritage and deep-rooted connection with the city.
Vidisha’s Global Recognition
Vidisha already holds international recognition due to Nobel laureate Kailash Satyarthi, who was born and raised there. Coincidentally, Sunita Williams’ ancestors lived in the same neighborhood as Satyarthi. This dual legacy makes Vidisha a city of global pride.
A Story of Heritage and Inspiration
The story of Sunita Williams’ ancestors highlights the journey of perseverance, migration, and success. Her achievements continue to inspire young minds, especially women, proving that one’s roots and heritage can be a source of strength on the path to global excellence. Vidisha stands as a witness to this remarkable history.
