When we speak of female role models, Kalpana Chawla’s name is never missed. After all, she was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. February 1, 2003, is remembered as the day when the world lost Chawla after Space Shuttle Columbia flight STS-107 disintegrated during its re-entry into the earth’s atmosphere killing her and 6 other members of the crew.
And now, 17 years after the legend’s death, her father, Banarasi Lal Chawla, opened up about her moving story that stands as an inspiration to millions of girls across the world who feel that they aren’t good enough.
Speaking to News18, Mr Chawla gave a peek into Kalpana’s childhood. He said:
“Kalpana was about three or four years old when she first saw a plane. She had been playing on the rooftop when she saw a plane flying above our house. She seemed so excited. I took her to the flying club near our house where a pilot agreed to take us for a ride. Kalpana’s joys knew no bounds. She had always wanted to fly.”
He went on to reveal that she used to make paper planes in school which later became a hobby. He believes that it was this that eventually led her to become an astronaut.
“When Kalpana was in school, her teachers would tell us that she spends her free time making paper planes and flying them. That had always been her hobby. That eventually led her to become an astronaut.”
After completing her schooling, Kalpana joined Punjab Engineering College to study Aeronautical Engineering. But she was told that there is not much scope for it in India. But that didn’t shake her as she was an “adamant spirit”.
“When Kalpana went to Chandigarh, the professors of the college initially tried to dissuade her from taking up the course. They told her that there was no scope for this subject in India. But she was adamant.”
He also revealed how Kalpana wasn’t a “materialistic” person. She worked at NASA because she genuinely enjoyed what she did. Even though she was paid very well, she donated much of her money to underprivileged kids for their education.
“She earned well while working at NASA. But she never cared for materialistic things. She would spend all her money on helping underprivileged kids with education. She would reach out to students who were unable to complete their education due to financial constraints and help them out as far as she could.”
Kalpana was a champion for children’s education. She has helped send 14 Indian kids to NASA. Her father says that she had one dream, that no child, especially girls, should be deprived of an education.
Addressing parents, Mr Chawla gave a word of advice:
“Just listen to your daughters, listen to what they have to say. They want to study, let them. Support them. Make sure they have all that they need to simply focus on their education.”
Kalpana Chawla continues to inspire years after her death. May she continue to do so for generations to come!