Goalpara school pays rich tributes to Kalpana Chawla on her 17th death anniversary

A Correspondent

GOALPARA: Kalpana Chawla, the Indian-born American astronaut and the first woman of Indian descent to go to space were remembered and given tribute on her 17th death anniversary in Goalpara on Saturday.

A day-long programme was organized in its campus by the Kalpana Chawla Memorial (KCM) Academy, a premier educational institute established on the 7th death anniversary of the astronaut by three local science postgraduate teachers.

In the morning, the foundation day flag was hoisted by AK Ahmed, trustee and Principal of KCM Academy. Following that, the lamp was lit and a floral tribute was paid before the portrait of Kalpana Chawla by guests, teachers, and students as well. “We have decided to immortalize her mortal sacrifice for the cause of humanity by establishing this institute,” said AK Ahmed.

A lecture was also arranged on the life and works of Kalpana Chawla where several distinguished persons delivered lectures, including academicians and KCM Trust chairman Ibrahim Ali.

Later, the awards to the winners of the 2nd Kalpana Chawla memorial Olympiad held on January 5 was given away. Astha Bhardwaz of Sankardev Shishu Vidya Niketan, Bilasipara came first, Samir Dutta from Nabajyoti Jatiya Vidyalaya, Kalapani of South Salmara was second and Anuj Saha, again from Sankardev Shishu Vidya Niketan, Bilasipara came third. A quiz competition on the life of Kalpana Chawla and art competition on the theme ‘Importance of water conservation’ was also held by the KCM management with a view to keep the students interested in science and technology.

Also Read: Two illegal sawmills busted in Goalpara

Also Watch: Watch Bhogali Bihu preparation from Guwahati ahead ‘Uruka’ (Night before Magh Bihu)