The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting paid tribute to Indian-origin NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla Monday. On the occasion of her birth anniversary, the ministry said, “Kalpana Chawla was India’s daughter who dared to dream beyond stars”.
Kalpana Chawla, born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana. Kalpana was the first woman to earn an aeronautical engineering degree from Punjab Engineering College. Her passion for flying took her to NASA, where she made history as the first Indian-born woman to go to space.
However, as we all know every inspiring journey has a tragic ending. Kalpana lost her life on February 1, 2003 In 2003, during her second space mission. The Columbia shuttle disintegrated during re-entry, just 16 minutes before landing.
Chawla’s Journey
Chawla’s journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in 1982. She later moved to the US, earning a Master’s and a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering. She joined NASA in 1994 and flew her first space mission aboard Columbia STS-87 in 1997. Her second mission, STS-107, ended in tragedy in 2003.
A Tomboy from Heart
Despite her success, Chawla remained grounded. A tomboy in her childhood, she was passionate about rock music and flying. Kalpana then fell in love with Jean Harrison, a flying instructor and married him in 1983. It was because of him, she learned how to fly a plane.
Not just that, Chawla mentored young Indian students. She invited young bright girls from her school to NASA’s summer program from 1998 she hosted 14 girl students until her demise. This initiative continues today, keeping her legacy alive.
NASA posthumously honored her with the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and the NASA Space Flight Medal. Scientist Dr. Narottam Sahoo highlighted her journey, saying, “From Karnal to the cosmos, her story proves that no dream is too big.”
Politicians pay Tribute
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also honored her, stating, “Remembering the first woman of Indian origin in space, Kalpana Chawla, on her birth anniversary. Her courage, determination, and passion continue to inspire millions to dream beyond boundaries and reach for the stars.”
Dr Narottam Sahoo, a scientist at the Gujarat Council on Science and Technology paid tribute to Chawla stating, “Remembering Kalpana Chawla on her birth anniversary — an icon of STEM exploration and a symbol of inspiration for dreamers, scientists, and explorers. From Karnal to the Cosmos, her journey reminds us that no dream is too big, no sky is too far when fueled by curiosity and perseverance. We celebrate her legacy by empowering young minds to explore, innovate, and reach for the stars”
Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha, in a post on X wrote, “On her birth anniversary, we remember Kalpana Chawla, the pioneering Indian-born female astronaut who significantly elevated India’s global standing in space exploration. Her legacy serves as a powerful symbol of both female empowerment and gender equality, and she remains a perpetual source of inspiration for millions”.
