Mission Atlantis

The countdown begins for the landing of NASA Space Shuttle Atlantis, that is scheduled to bring back to earth, Sunita Williams, NASA Astronaut of Indian descent who has spent the past 6 months at the International Space Centre, somewhere in outer-space.
Though few of the 2-billion populace of India are aware, the shuttle also carries six other astronauts (who are not of Indian descent).

As nation-wide prayers, organised by numerous educational and religious institutions, conducted by priests and attended by our masses, are held for the safe return of the "Indian" astronaut, your favourite reporter catches up with the various strata of Indian society that concern themselves with this rare spectacle.

...say the Priests
"We are praying for the well being of Sunita-beti. She is a good cultured Indian girl who is making the country proud by flying in space."

Though off the record,
"Right, so it isn't exactly the wedding season but money has never been this good during this time of the year and we have little reason to question or complain. Besides, we're concerned about the well-being of all individuals, Indian or phoren as long as there is some dakshina."


... says the Indian junta
"Sunita has brought pride and glory to the nation. Her accomplishments are a validation of the pinnacles to which Indians are ascending. She is like our own daughter and has become a house-hold name. We are proud of Sunita and we are proud of India."

Behind closed doors,
"Right, so we know she isn't exactly "Indian" or that she cares much about this country but we are, nonetheless, going to take a little bit of credit for her success. After all, somewhere up her family tree, someone was conceived on our soil, which is probably why she has triumphed in her work. So did you hear about Mrs. Malhotra? I heard she and her husband were....."

...says the Media
"After the unfortunate Columbia disaster of 2003, the entire nation is concerned with the safe arrival of Sunita Williams after her 6-month long space expedition. She is the second woman of Indian origin to fly in space and is capturing the interests of the Indian audiences nationwide."

Under the table,
"Right, so she's not exactly important to the nation and it isn't as if our political scenario, poverty, unemployment, illiteracy or low self-dignities are going to be alleviated by her return to planet earth but as long as we can fabricate her life-and-times into a catchy news-item and brainwash the Indian audiences into believing that she is an inspiration to and symbolises the needs and aspirations of our younger generations and that she defines India's competency at the global level, we're only helping her help us rake in some viewership and are offering her, in return, a spot in prime-time.

...say the little children
"Sunita didi is my role model. Some day, I hope to follow in her foot steps. She makes us proud of our country. We are proud of India."

Over some candy,
"*Munch munch* Ma'am asked us to say so.... Ek aur hai?"