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The Punjab Engineering College Old Boys' Association (PECOBA) has asked the government to honour Kalpana Chawla, American astronaut of Indian origin who was killed along with six other astronauts when the space shuttle Columbia broke up during reentry, be bestowed with the Bharat Ratna for her outstanding contribution in the field of science.
PECOBA general secretary Amarjit Singh Kohli told rediff.com that he would be forwarding copies of a resolution passed by the PECOBA on Sunday to President Dr A P J Abdul Kalam and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in this regard.
Kalpana Chawla had obtained a degree in aeronautical engineering from the Chandigarh-based Punjab Engineering College in 1982 before proceeding to the United States for higher studies.
"What is significant is that Kalpana went to space, not once but twice within a short period of seven years," he added.
In a condolence message, President Kalam said India is proud of her unique achievements.
"I am sure the space flight endeavors of Ms Chawla will always be remembered and serve as an inspiration for our younger generations," he said.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said that Kalpana had the vision and daring to reach for the stars.
"She was a rare person whose dedication, determination and quest for excellence matched her soaring aspirations. Her brilliant career as an astronaut was achieved entirely through her own efforts. She pulled no strings and sought no favours. She was willing to sacrifice her life to push forward the frontiers of human knowledge," she said.