Kalpana Chawla
A girl from Karnal who reached for the stars, literally.
Where it began
Born in Karnal, Haryana, she studied aeronautical engineering at Punjab Engineering College.
The challenge
Few women in India pursued aerospace engineering at the time, and she moved abroad to continue her studies.
The turning point
She earned a PhD in aerospace engineering in the US and joined NASA as a researcher.
The journey
Selected as an astronaut, she first flew on Space Shuttle Columbia in 1997.
The impact
She died with her crewmates when Columbia broke up on re-entry in 2003. Scholarships and institutions carry her name.
What we can learn
- Dream beyond your map.
- Study hard in what you love.
- Your courage can light the way for others.
Tell the story
Speaking challenge
Retell Kalpana Chawla’s story in 1 minute: where they began, the challenge, the turning point, and one lesson for you.
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.
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