The name of Kalpana Chawla evokes mixed emotions. There is a deep sense of pride as well as grief. She was the first Indian woman who went to space in STS 107, Columbia’s 28th mission, which disintegrated in space, claiming her life along with that of her peers. We spoke exclusively to Mr Banarasi Lal Chawla, her dad to know about her childhood and what led her to unleash her true potential.
Talking about 3-year-old Kalpana Chawla, Mr Chawla shared how she was fascinated by the flying club which was very close to their residence in Karnal. She often used to spot planes flying over their house and pestered her dad to take her there. “I took her to the flying club along with her brother. She was so thrilled that she kept running around the plane, shooting questions like ‘How does it fly?’ ‘How does it run on the road?’ ‘What does this button do?’ They were so taken by her fascination that they took us on a ride in the plane. After that day, she got even more fascinated with planes and would make it using paper and relentlessly try to make them fly. Her teachers in school often told me the same stories.”
When she applied for aerospace engineering in Punjab university, the professor discouraged her from opting for it, since they didn’t have any other applicant. They explained to her that it will limit her scope but she didn’t budge and went ahead with it. Later she studied in an American university too. “She had a never-say-die attitude and never gave up. And her peers and seniors used to talk openly about it.”
Mr Chawla got little emotional talking about an incident that took place when Kalpana was waiting to complete formalities for her admission overseas. “I stayed busy with work for over two months and my girl kept on waiting for me. I think about it now and really feel guilty.” However, he then made some calls and ensured that she reached the US on time and was welcomed by a friend at the airport.
Advising parents of girls, Mr Chawla said, “Daughters always seek approval from their parents and that is why my message to all parents would be to give their undivided attention and ultimate support to their daughters. They should know that you will stand by them and help them realise their dreams. There is no bigger pleasure than that.” He further urged all parents to take out time for their kids and not give so much importance to their work that they have to compromise on their time with their child.
Urging people to remember Kalpana Chawla and her efforts, Mr Chawla concluded on the note, “On International Women’s Day, National Geographic will showcase the story of my daughter. I want every parent to watch it and I want all daughters to watch it too. She had an undying spirit and we all can learn so much from her.” Before disconnecting, he added, “Aap bhi Kalpana ho, God bless you bete.”
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