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A journalist wrote:
She was a heroine. It takes enormous ability to become an astronaut. You need to know a lot about everything, from biology to astrophysics to aeronautical engineering. In this age of super-specialisation, you must have encyclopaedic knowledge to be an astronaut. Her achievement is awe-inspiring. |
7. For millions of young Indians, the story of Kalpana Chawla, a girl from a small town who touched the skies, had become an inspiration. In a message that she sent from aboard the space shuttle, Columbia, to students of her college in Chandigarh, Kalpana said, “The path from dreams to success does exist. May you have the vision to find it, the courage to get onto it... Wishing you a great journey.” There will surely be many who start off on this journey to fulfill their dreams.
Explanation:
The end of the lesson talks about a journalist's account regarding the difficulties of becoming a space scientist. They are expected to be great sources of knowledge, in this instance, the journalist talks about the many subjects that a space scientist of Kalpana's level requires to master fields of Biology, Astrophysics and Aeronautical Engineering. She must have possessed in-depth knowledge in all these fields to become an asset not only to India or America but to the entire world of science, her loss of life was, without doubt, a great loss to every human being aspiring to advance in the field.
The lesson ends with a message from Kalpana Chawla, a girl who had come from a small town in India and touched the skies. The message that she had relayed to our students in Chandigarh is crucial. She talks about the great path to success, how to get it, how to bring up the courage to get to follow it, not worrying about the obstacles. How to have the vision to realise everyone's dreams, she also tells us that it is not easy to follow our dreams and passion. For the people who put in enough hard work and determination and strive to reach their goals, the achievements waiting are countless. Each achievement will only reach the aspirants with the right amount of grit and willingness to go beyond the others.
Meanings of difficult words:
| No. | Word | Meaning |
1 | Astrophysics | A branch of astronomy that deals with the physical conditions of stars and planets. |
2 | Encyclopaedic | To possess enough knowledge to fill an encyclopaedia. |
3 | Inspiration | To live a life that helps others overcome their lives and become better people. |
4 | Countless | In uncountable, great numbers. |
5 | Aspirants | Any person who aims to achieve something great. |
Reference:
Material source: National Council of Educational Research and Training (2006). Honeysuckle. An Indian - American Woman in Space: Kalpana Chawla (pp. 45-53). Published at the Publication Division by the Secretary, National Council of Educational Research and Training, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi.
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