Indian-American astronaut Sunita Williams [Images] had a pleasant surprise waiting for her on the dining table in the Rashtrapati Bhavan [Images] on Thursday as President Pratibha Patil [Images] ensured her favourite delicacy, samosa, was part of the menu.

"We have especially included Samosa in the menu for you," Patil told the astronaut, who had carried samosa during her space odyssey.

During the 45-minute meeting, the President posed some searching questions to the 42-year-old astronaut on how she managed to take care of herself during her record 195-day stay in the space.

Patil was especially keen to know about other women astronauts working in the space programme, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesperson said.

They discussed about how the space exploration could benefit the mankind. Williams said scientists should work for space exploration programme for the good of the world.

Williams also observed that children were the future of the world and they should be geared up to take responsibilities at an young age.