In memory of Dr. Kalpana Chawla, a distinguished alumnus of Punjab Engineering College, the Department of Aerospace Engineering organized a Kalpana Chawla Memorial Seminar on 23rd March 2022. The Guests of Honour of the seminar were, Mrs. Leena Bolki (NASA-Honeywell Educator) and Mr. Manav Dass (the author of ‘Mission STS: Spacewalk with Kalpana Chawla’).
The event started with the welcome note by Dr. T.K. Jindal, Head of Department, Aerospace Engineering, where he shared his experience about the time when Dr. Kalpana Chawla flew in STS-87 and STS-107. The dignitaries and the faculties paid a floral tribute to Dr. Kalpana Chawla and her crewmates on board STS 107. Moreover, Mr. Dass presented his book ‘Mission STS: Spacewalk with Kalpana Chawla’ to Dr. Baldev Setia, Director, Punjab Engineering College, which was followed by the lecture by Mrs. Leena Bokil, who is currently working as a space educator in Astro-Edu in Pune.
The talking points of the seminar included “Career Opportunities in Space Sector”, where she encouraged the aerospace enthusiasts to take up available career options in the space sector. Mrs. Bokil’s talk gave a broader perspective to the student about the extended field of aerospace. Also, Mr. Manav Dass enlightened the students with his encouraging words to achieve their dreams and build the future. Post seminar, students and faculties had an interactive session with all the dignitaries, wherein students asked various questions related to astrophysics and career options in space.
