The function held by Vishwa Gujarati Samaj on 21st September 2007 to honour Astronaut Sunita Williams at The Diamond Hall, Rajpath Club in Ahmedabad was one of the most memorable events in the history of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj.  Astronaut Mrs. Sunita Williams was conferred upon ‘Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Vishwa Pratibha Award’ by Vishwa Gujarati Samaj in the presence of many Gujarati dignitaries, the representatives of Gujarati Associations and the members of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj from all the five Continents. His Excellency the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Navalkishore Sharmaji, presided over the function.

The President of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj, Shri Krishnakant Vakharia, welcomed all the Guests and gave a brief introduction of the activities carried out by Vishwa Gujarati Samaj. He mentioned that we are very happy and feel honoured to confer this Prestigious Award on Sunita, who broke records during her space flight   and became a Global Personality by her adventurous spirit and her achievements. She is the beloved daughter of Gujarat, who has deep attachment to her land of origin and an affinity to her cultural roots. She is the Youngest Recipient of this Prestigious Award. His Excellency the Governor of Gujarat, Shri Navalkishore Sharmaji, in his speech, praised the activities of Vishwa Gujarati Samaj and he unparalleled achievements of Astronaut Sunita Williams.

When the Award was conferred upon Sunita, the enthusiastic audience honored her by giving a standing ovation. Sunita in response to her felicitation thanked Vishwa Gujarati Samaj for this exceptional honor given to her by the Gujarati Community. She was visibly moved by the passion, the love and the welcome accorded to her by everyone in Gujarat.