Kalpana Chawla Quotes

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Kalpana Chawla

Profession : Astronaut

Birth : March 17, 1962

The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get on to it, and the perseverance to follow it.

Kalpana Chawla

Every once in a while, we'd ask my dad if we could get a ride in one of these planes. And, he did take us to the flying club and get us a ride in the Pushpak and a glider that the flying club had.

Kalpana Chawla

The journey matters as much as the goal.

Kalpana Chawla

We gazed dreamily at the Milky Way and once in a while caught some shooting stars. Times like those gave me the opportunity to wonder and ask all those very basic questions. That sense of awe for the heavens started there.

Kalpana Chawla

You must enjoy the journey because whether or not you get there, you must have fun on the way.

Kalpana Chawla

You are just your intelligence.

Kalpana Chawla

Do something because you really want to do it. If you're doing it just for the goal and don't enjoy the path, then I think you're cheating yourself.

Kalpana Chawla

There are so many people who are arguing or fighting over issues which don't have much relevance. We must all realise it is not worth it.

Kalpana Chawla

I've always been very determined. I don't get easily discouraged.

Kalpana Chawla

I don't know why I always liked aerospace engineering. I was in the 10th grade when I figured that's what I wanted to do.

Kalpana Chawla

Material interests are not the only guiding light.

Kalpana Chawla

I have felt that connection and stewardship for Earth for as long as I can remember. And not just for Earth, but the whole universe.

Kalpana Chawla

I would say if you have a dream, follow it. It doesn't really matter whether you are a woman or from India or from wherever.

Kalpana Chawla

If you want to do something, what does it matter where you are ranked?

Kalpana Chawla

When you lift off, the pressure is supposed to be maximum. But actually, it was very benign. Very enjoyable. But as soon as the engines cut off and you get to zero gravity, you felt as if you were being pushed off your seat. You feel disoriented. You don't feel aligned with anything. I felt for a few good hours that I was falling.

Kalpana Chawla

I was interested in aerospace and flying, and the U.S. is really the best place in the world for flying.

Kalpana Chawla

The quickest way may not necessarily be the best.

Kalpana Chawla

I stopped thinking about it after trying to figure out what are the lessons learned, and there are so many. After I had basically sorted that out, I figured it's time to really look at the future and not at the past.

Kalpana Chawla

Take good care of our fragile planet.

Kalpana Chawla

Some of the senior people, the very senior astronauts, shook my hand and said, 'K.C., you did a great job. Don't let anyone tell you different.'

Kalpana Chawla