Kalpana Chawla – Women Who Inspired Me

The night sky was dark and the stars were twinkling. A young girl looked up at the sky, wondering what it would be like to travel among them. That girl was Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian-American woman astronaut to go into space. Her journey to the stars was marked by challenges, mysteries, and determination.

The story of Kalpana is one of passion and exploration, of a woman who dared to dream big and put in a lot of effort to get there. Discrimination and doubt about her abilities were just two of the many obstacles she encountered along the way. However, she was pushed forward by her unshakeable faith in her own abilities and her goals.
Kalpana moved to the United States after completing her education to pursue her goal of becoming an astronaut. She started her career as a research scientist at NASA after receiving a Master’s degree and a PhD in aerospace engineering from the University of Colorado.

However, her selection as an astronaut would forever alter her life. In 1997, she impacted the world forever by turning into the first Indian-born lady to go into space on board the space shuttle Columbia. Her journey was full of mysteries and unknowns, as she explored the depths of space and the wonders of the universe.

Sadly, her second mission on Columbia in 2003 ended in tragedy when the shuttle disintegrated upon re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere, in which Kalpana and the rest of the crew died. But her legacy lives on, inspiring young girls and women around the world to pursue their dreams and break down barriers.

Kalpana Chawla’s achievements and legacy continue to inspire people all around the world, even after her tragic passing. Her story is a reminder that no matter how difficult the journey may be, we should never give up on our dreams. Her life is a shining example of the possibilities that exist when we have the courage to believe in ourselves and work hard to achieve our goals. Kalpana’s message is a call to action for everyone to push beyond their limits and embrace their true potential. She has left an indelible mark on the world and her story will continue to inspire generations to come.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Meena Chabbria is a corporate veteran and corporate influencer with a stellar track record spanning more than a decade in the media industry, specialising in E2E Business and Marketing management. Presently serving as AVP Brand Alliances at PVR India, she commands authoritative experience in the multiplex business along with marketing, PR and sales and business development.