Ahmedabad (Gujarat): Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams was conferred with the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vishwa Pratibha Award by World Gujarati Society on Friday.
Williams is the first non-resident to receive the award. She was presented with the award by Gujarat Governor Naval Kishore Sharma.

The award hat includes a prize money of Rs 250,000, was collected by Williams's father, Dipak Pandya, who subsequently pledged it for a charity.

Jhulasan (Gujarat), Sept 21: Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams on Friday visited her native village in Gujarat amidst much fanfare.

Williams, who arrived in Ahmedabad on Tuesday, is in India for the first time after her successful expedition aboard space shuttle Discovery.

People of Jhulasan village, William's father's ancestral village, welcomed her with true Gujarati customs putting up folk dances as large crowds gathered to get a glimpse of her.

New Delhi, Sept. 21: Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has said that Indian American astronaut Sunita Williams is a ‘role model’ for Indian children and a source of inspiration for women in the country.

Dr. Singh also said that India feels proud of her achievement, even though she is a citizen of the United States of America.

Congratulating Williams on her unique achievement and her contribution to the human quest for a better understanding of our Universe, Dr. Singh invited her to meet him.

Ahmedabad, Sept 19 : The family and relatives of Indian-origin American astronaut Sunita Williams celebrated her birthday with fanfare in Gujarat today.

A leading US television network selected Indian-American astronaut Sunit