Virender Sehwag leads tributes to Kalpana Chawla on her 55th birth anniversary

New Delhi: Virender Sehwag along with Vijender Singh and Mohammad Kaif paid tributes to late Indian-Amierican astronaut Kalpana chawla on her 55th birth anniversary.

On February 1, 2003, Indian-origin American national and NASA astronaut Kalpana Chawla and her six crew members of the Space Shuttle Columbia were killed during their return to Earth after a 16-day science mission designated STS-107 in space.

"Tributes to #KalpanaChawla on her birth anniversary. Always an inspiration and symbol of courage and strength," Virender Sehwag's tweet read.

Tributes to #KalpanaChawla on her birth anniversary. Always an inspiration and symbol of courage and strength. pic.twitter.com/MYMbHjI8YM — Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) March 17, 2017

"Tributes to India's immortal daughter #KalpanaChawla !Will always remain an inspiration for young girls to dream for the stars & reach them!" tweeted Mohammad Kaif.

Tributes to India's immortal daughter #KalpanaChawla !Will always remain an inspiration for young girls to dream for the stars & reach them! pic.twitter.com/MfCPBNcB0v — Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) March 17, 2017

"Naman to #KalpanaChawla , born in Karnal and the first woman of Indian origin in space , on her birth anniversary. A Star forever," wrote Vijender Singh.

Naman to #KalpanaChawla , born in Karnal and the first woman of Indian origin in space , on her birth anniversary. A Star forever. pic.twitter.com/3Iv70K54fo — Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) March 17, 2017

Kalpana was born and brought up in Karnal, Haryana and completed her schooling from Tagore School, Karnal in 1976.

She went on to get a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Punjab Engineering College in 1982 and moved to US to pursue a Master of Science degree in the same field from the University of Texas at Arlington.

In 1988 she earned a PhD in the the field from the University of Colorado.