Remembering Kalpana Chawla: IFS Officer Pays Tribute on Her Birth Anniversary

On the occasion of her birth anniversary, the legacy of the first Indian-origin woman astronaut, Kalpana Chawla, was beautifully commemorated by IFS officer Parveen Kaswan. Through a touching tribute that included a heartfelt note and a color sketch, Kaswan celebrated the life and achievements of Chawla.

Kalpana Chawla’s story is one of remarkable determination. She broke barriers early in her life by becoming the first woman to enroll in the aeronautical engineering course at Punjab Engineering College in 1978. Her academic pursuits didn’t stop there; she went on to further her studies at the University of Texas, setting the stage for her ultimate achievement – joining NASA as an astronaut.

Chawla’s space odyssey began with her first mission aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997, where she served as a mission specialist and primary robotic arm operator. This mission marked her as the first woman of Indian origin to fly in space, a monumental achievement.

Today her name is among the most well-known stars of the Indian subcontinent. From the city of Karnal to the Stars, Kalpana Chawla still shines in millions of dreams. For she inspired youth to reach for the stars. Today is her birth anniversary.