Sunita Williams Speaks at Kerala Literature Festival 2026
Retired NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams to deliver space-themed talks at Kerala Literature Festival 2026 in Kozhikode.
Renowned former NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams is a key participant at the ninth edition of the Kerala Literature Festival (KLF) 2026), being held in Kozhikode from January 22 to January 25. Organised by DC Books, the festival has brought together eminent voices from literature, politics, science, and the arts, with Williams’ presence emerging as a major highlight.
Williams attends the inaugural ceremony sharing the stage with Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and several distinguished guests. The event features an impressive lineup including ministers, Members of Parliament, diplomats, writers, filmmakers, and cultural figures, underlining the festival’s national and international stature.
Following the inauguration, Williams will headline a session titled “Dreams Reach Orbit: Meet the Astronaut Who Touched the Sky,” moderated by journalist Preeti Choudhry. The discussion is expected to explore her personal journey, challenges of space exploration, and the human spirit behind scientific achievement.
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Her engagements continue with a special Children’s KLF session on January 23, titled “Once Upon a Time in Space,” moderated by actress Rima Kallingal. On January 25, Williams will participate in two major conversations—“Astronaut’s Odyssey,” moderated by Barkha Dutt, and “When Earth Can’t Keep You Down,” moderated by historian and writer Manu S Pillai.
Sunita Williams brings with her an extraordinary 27-year career at NASA, having spent 608 days in space, the second-highest total for any NASA astronaut. A former US Navy Captain, she flew to the International Space Station three times, conducted nine spacewalks totaling over 62 hours, and holds the record for the most spacewalk time by a woman.
Her final mission in 2024–25, aboard Boeing’s Starliner and later SpaceX Crew-9, saw her command the ISS during Expedition 72. NASA officially announced her retirement earlier this week, effective December 27, 2025, marking the end of a historic career. At KLF 2026, Williams is expected to reflect on science, leadership, resilience, and the boundless curiosity that drives humanity beyond Earth.
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