Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, today paid tribute to one of its most distinguished alumni, Kalpana Chawla, marking the 22nd anniversary of her passing.
Kalpana Chawla, an iconic figure in the history of space exploration, was the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space in 1999. A graduate of the Aerospace Engineering Department at PEC in 1982, she tragically lost her life in 2003 when Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated during re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere.
In her honor, the Aerospace Engineering Department of Punjab Engineering College organized the Dr. Kalpana Chawla Memorial Lecture 2025. This year’s lecture, titled "Planetary Exploration using LTA Systems," was delivered by Dr. Rajkumar S. Pant, a distinguished professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at IIT Bombay.
The session was attended by the Director of PEC, Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Registrar Col. R.M. Joshi, and Prof. Rakesh Kumar, Head of the Aerospace Engineering Department, along with a large gathering of students, faculty, and staff.
During his insightful lecture, Prof. Pant shared his extensive experience from his remarkable 42-year career in aeronautics, including a pivotal tenure at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). He captivated the students with fascinating stories from his professional journey and provided a comprehensive overview of the dynamic, ever-evolving field of aerospace engineering.
Prof. Pant also elaborated on the collaborative space missions undertaken by India alongside other nations, exploring destinations such as the Moon, Mars, and Venus. In a deeply nostalgic moment, Prof. Pant fondly recalled his days at PEC, where he was supported by Dr. Kalpana Chawla, who was his senior and an inspiring figure in academia.
He spoke about her unwavering dedication to her work and her pioneering spirit that continues to inspire generations of students. The lecture concluded with a warm gesture of appreciation. Prof. Rakesh Kumar, Head of the Aerospace Engineering Department, presented a memento to Prof. Pant as a token of gratitude for his enlightening address and invaluable contributions to the field of aerospace engineering.
The event was a resounding success, leaving the audience both inspired and motivated to pursue their careers in the rapidly advancing field of aerospace engineering, with the legacy of Kalpana Chawla continuing to shine brightly.