By subscribing to Inspiring Quotes you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
“Kalpana” is a Hindi word that translates to “imagination,” and in 1997, Dr. Kalpana Chawla (1961-2003) became the first Indian-born woman in space. The astronaut's passion for the skies emerged early in life, when she would bike after planes taking off from a local military school. In her youth, she also visited the airplane flown by J.R.D. Tata, the founder of India’s first airline; she later brought Tata’s photograph on the first of her two NASA missions. Chawla was among seven astronauts who lost their lives aboard the Space Shuttle Columbia when the spacecraft broke apart upon reentering Earth’s atmosphere in 2003. This quote comes from an email Chawla sent to students at her alma mater, Punjab Engineering College, as she completed her final orbits. The barrier-breaking astronaut knew firsthand that you can achieve anything you can visualize.
13 Franklin Delano Roosevelt Quotes You’ve Never Heard Before
15 Life-Changing Quotes From Marcus Aurelius’ ‘Meditations’
20 Surprisingly Insightful Quotes From Children’s Movies
Our Top 23 Quotes of 2023
How to Live a Full Life, According to French Philosopher Michel de Montaigne
16 Instantly Recognizable Song Lyrics
13 Quotes Every Stubborn Person Needs To Read
13 Romantic Quotes From Beloved Period Pieces
16 Helpful Quotes To Read When Your Relationship Is Struggling
Quotes To Help You Live a More Spontaneous Life
12 Quotes To Help Improve Your Emotional Intelligence