India's Daughter Kalpana Chawla Dared To Dream Beyond Stars: Centre

New Delhi: Chawla was India’s daughter who dared to dream beyond stars, said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, while paying tribute to the Indian-origin NASA astronaut on Monday on her birth anniversary.

Born in Haryana’s Karnal on March 17, 1962, Chawla became the first Indian woman to go to space. Chawla died on February 1, 2003, when Space Shuttle Columbia and her crew perished during entry, 16 minutes before the scheduled landing.

“A daughter of India who dared to dream beyond the stars, her life and achievements continue to inspire many around the globe,” shared the Ministry in a post on social media platform X.

“Remembering the first woman of Indian origin in space, Kalpana Chawla, on her birth anniversary. Her courage, determination, and passion continue to inspire millions to dream beyond boundaries and reach for the stars,” added Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs on X.

Chawla was posthumously awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor and NASA Space Flight Medal.

“On her birth anniversary, we remember Kalpana Chawla, the pioneering Indian-born female astronaut who significantly elevated India's global standing in space exploration," said Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of the Opposition, Rajya Sabha, on X.