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.
Inspiring Snippets From Abraham Lincoln’s Most Memorable Speeches
The True Meaning of Beauty, in 14 Quotes
8 Quotes To Inspire You To Be a Gracious Winner
12 Funny Quotes From Centenarians
Quotes About How To Be Productive in a Healthy Way
Quotes To Help You Tap Into Your Inner Strength
The Meaning of Life, in 10 Amusing Quotes
17 Empowering Quotes from Female Athletes
Quotes About Why Foolishness Can Be a Virtue
19 Quotes To Keep You Hopeful
These “Monty Python” Quotes Are the True “Holy Grail”