This morning we in Texas, as in the rest of the world, awoke to the news that the NASA shuttle Columbia and its crew had been lost.  As details emerged, I was struck most by the loss of Kalpana Chawla, who one news commentator called "the face of immigrant America."  

Having read some of the many tributes already online in her memory, I know that she is still proudly considered a representative of India, as she should be.  Two nations have reason to mourn her death.

The loss of Chawla is similar to that of Christa MacAuliffe, the U.S. school teacher who died aboard Challenger when it exploded in 1986.
The similarity centers mainly on how each woman inspired children. As you mourn, I hope you will also give your children extra love and attention.  They have lost a role model, and they will feel the loss
deeply.  And someday it is to be hoped that they step forward to take her place, as she would no doubt wish.

Chawla's death does not erase the good that she accomplished, but it certainly brings it to light.  I am glad to have learned more about her, even in the circumstances. 
My heart goes out to the people of Karnal.

Best wishes,
David Bradford
Austin, Texas
dcbradfo@yahoo.com


Please extend our condolences to Dr. Kalpana Chawla's family and the people of India,
to whom we are grateful for this brave individual who dedicated her life to excellence and
the betterment of mankind.  Her tragic death in the Columbia shuttle explosion this morning 
is a profound loss to the world.

As parents our hearts are especially broken for her mother and father, who have lost a beloved child.
We pray that God will comfort them through this tragedy and bless them always.

Thank you for conveying our sympathy,
 Michael & Petra Massey
 South Carolina, USA