Born on March 17, 1962, in Karnal, Haryana, Kalpana Chawla was not just India's first woman in space but a trailblazer who defied gravity in every sense. Her journey from a small-town girl to a NASA astronaut is the stuff of legends, yet many details of her life remain lesser known.

As a child, Kalpana would sketch airplanes and dream of flying them. Her fascination with the skies led her to pursue aeronautical engineering at Punjab Engineering College, where she was the only female student in her batch. She later moved to the U.S. for further studies, earning a doctorate in aerospace engineering.

A lesser known fact? Kalpana was an avid poet and dancer, often penning verses about space. She was also a licensed certified flight instructor, training many aspiring pilots before becoming an astronaut. During her NASA training, she was known for her calm demeanor and extraordinary problem-solving skills.

Her final mission, Columbia STS-107, ended in tragedy, but Kalpana's legacy endures as a symbol of perseverance. Her words still inspire: "The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on it, and the perseverance to follow it."