Returning to Earth is an Art!

The moment the news of Sunita Williams’ return to Earth broke, a frenzy erupted across the country. The media geared up as if it wasn’t Chandrayaan-3 returning but their own camera from space. News anchors screamed—“Sunita Ji is back on Earth! Has she forgotten about traffic jams, politics, and the skyrocketing price of pakoras?”

A grand ceremony was organized. The stage was set, and prominent leaders had memorized their speeches. As soon as Sunita Ji arrived, the hall erupted with applause—just like when a politician gets acquitted of corruption charges. The chief guest took the mic and said, “We would love to hear about your experience!”

Sunita smiled and replied, “Space was peaceful—no noise, no pollution, no posters of ‘Bhaijaan’ movies! Living there made me realize that leaving Earth is the ultimate bliss!”

The journalists launched their attack.

First question—“Ma’am, we heard you forgot how to walk?”

Sunita laughed, “Yes, but in India, people have already forgotten how to follow rules, so I only forgot walking!”

Second question—“What did you miss the most in space?”

“Pani Puri!” Sunita chuckled. “We had to eat food from paste tubes. Looking at that, even Maggi felt like royal cuisine!”

Finally, a journalist asked—“What’s your plan now?”

Sunita smiled, “Preparing to fly again… because staying on Earth for too long is no less than a challenge!”

The ceremony ended. Politicians got busy spinning their narratives, and the media flashed headlines—“Sunita Ji struggling to adjust to Earth!” Meanwhile, the public sighed, “If only we had such problems!”

Thankfully, for once, reporters from every news channel weren’t standing at “Ground Zero” to cover the story. Otherwise, by now, journalists from Aaj Tak, ABP, Republic, and India TV would have been stationed outside the International Space Station, dramatically reporting—“Friends, I am currently standing at Ground Zero, 400 km above Earth, where Sunita Ji took off for her return!”

And below, the breaking news ticker would have read—“First time in the universe—‘Reporter on Duty in Space!’”

( Rajiv Khare National Deputy Editor)