Online interactive channel launched in Kalpana’s memory

Tribune News Service

Karnal, February 1

The memories of great astronaut Kalpana Chawla came alive on Monday when two representatives of the Embassy of the USA visited Karnal, Kalpana’s native town, on her 13th death anniversary.

She died with six other astronauts in the space shuttle Columbia crash on February 1, 2003.

Representatives, including Jay Gullish, senior economic advisor, ICT and Trade, Embassy of the USA, and Doug Fowler, economic officer, Science and Technology Affairs, today reached Nirmal Dham, an old age home run by Kalpana’s family.

There, they launched an online interactive channel ‘Kalpana Chawla Kidowel’ for aspiring astronauts.

The representatives interacted with Kalpana’s father Banarsi Lal Chawla. He said Kalpana was a nature lover.

Recalling her childhood, Banarsi Lal said she was very ambitious and focused to be an astronaut.

The representatives and Kalpana’s father planted a sapling on the premises of Kalpana Chawla Government Medical College, which is under construction, and Karnal Aviation Club.

The USA government had dedicated two roads in the US to Kalpana, besides naming a hall after her.

Meanwhile, she was remembered by the students of RS Public School at Kalpana Chawla Excellence Academy, Model Town.