KALPANA CHAWLA- My Inspiration

Submitted By
Nrithya Santhosh

India
Ever since I was a child, I grew up listening to the stories of brave men and
women. One day while I was going to the bed, I asked my ma to tell me a
story about someone who was very adventurous and accomplished
something big that couldn’t be achieved again by anyone. My mom didn’t
take much time before smiling and narrating a story about a little girl
named Kalpana Chawla who was always filled with curiosity and wonder. I
was intrigued by her personality but before I could listen further, I drifted
into sleep. The next day I wanted to know what happened to Kalpana
Chawla! I pleaded my mom to tell me more about her. But she refused to
give any information until it was time for bed. I was restless! I typed her
name on the internet and basically jumped, because right below her name
it was titled-

‘The First Woman of Indian Origin to go to Space’ . I was thrilled and filled
with more curiosity! I browsed through various websites to find more on
her. I learnt that Kalpana was the youngest among her siblings. She grew up
learning to work hard and be self-dependent.

It is recorded that she chose her own name! True to her name, she was
quite imaginative. Kalpana loved star gazing with her siblings. She was
fascinated by space and wanted to explore the unknown. In her lessons at
school she learnt that there weren’t any Indian women who achieved the
feat to go to space. And Kalpana was determined to be the first! Her
mother encouraged her wild dreams and imaginations. She struggled and
worked hard to achieve that dream. She joined NASA, and persevered
through all her hardships. Kalpana Chawla was selected into the Colombia
flight crew. Through the flight she offi cially became the first woman to go
to space. With that atti tude Kalpana Chawla could not be stopped, when
NASA was preparing for the second flight.

I was heartbroken to learn that, in a tragic incident the space shuttle

Colombia burst into flames engulfing the entire crew.

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I was touched and moved by her story. In my heart, she was among the
bravest and extraordinary women of India. I understood that all daring
personalities had a few important traits in common- determination and
courage being amongst them.

Kalpana Chawla couldn’t live longer for more adventures. But I firmly
believe that they are now being lived through millions of youngsters,
especially the girls of our country and the world.

THANK YOU FOR READING! 

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