BalaViji

Space exploration have always been a remarkable field of interest. The hidden history and data on our space have always fascinated young and old alike. The interest generated out of this curious and mysterious science prompted many a student to start exploring their young minds through books and films for decades. Their efforts are also enhanced by various space expeditions carried out by USA, Russia, France, China, India etc.

It was a thriller when US astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to land in the moon. Manned space experiments were carried out even earlier, however man's landing on moon was a historical feat. Like that many data on lunar surface generated exotic reactions on youngsters. The chunk of lunar rock was taken to all countries and the display day was declared hoilday in Kerala, I vaguely remember. 

However, the involvement of Indian space researchers brought in a sea change in our outlook on these fields. Many Indian scientists are directly or indirectly connected with such organisations like NASA, ISRO etc make us feel proud about the teachnical capabilities we can undertake. An old humour filled inscription goes like this " A Malayalee can be spotted even in Moon who owns a tea shop there." Like that now many Indians can be spotted in any significant organisation in any part of the world. This is just because we are capable and we can deliver what is required.

We are all aware of deceased Kalpana Chawla, the famous astronaut, who belonged to India. However, fond memories throng every Indian's heart due to the tragic end that was in store for that Columbia space shuttle that perished during reentry into earth's orbit in February 2003 above North Texas in US. Many may not be aware of the fact Kalpana Chawla, most popularly known as KC among her friends and employment  circle in NASA, was an aluminus of University of Texas in Arlington, Texas. She has done her Masters in Aeronautical Engineering from UTA in 1986 before she went on to add another Masters and Doctrate degree from the University of Colorado, Denver. 

KC has contributed a lot to the space expeditions in NASA and this has earned her a distinction to be the first Indian Scientist to associate on NASA space engineering. Afterwards she was selected for space walks too. University of Texas at Arlington has very appropriately dedicated a residential hall in the university campus in 2005. This very recent addition to the sprawling university facilities has brought in glory to that famous scientist from this prestigeous educational institution.

KC hall is a spacious building occupying an almost full block street to street and is an excellent structure. At the entrance of this memorial hall, a large photo of KC along with the perished Columbia shuttle and also other crew members are displayed. Prior to dedication, university authorities decided to inscribe details of residents from the beginning and continue to do so as and when they add up. The details of KC's works are detailed out are then placed in a time capsule which will be opened in 2034 to read out those illustrious residents of that hall. This hall can accommodate about 400 students to pursue studies in this university. KC memorial hall was built at a cost of 21 million dollars and bears a testimony to that late space scientist.

Remeberences can be of any form and shape. But the most important fact is the mind and will to do it. Here UTA has exhibited a rare stand on how to express their gratitude and show the world how this can be done. It is a stupendous means of keeping the name of that great scientist alive and making it known in no uncertain means to new generation by the construction and dedication of a grand new structure.  The university deserves a very special praise for this rare gesture.