Washington sources reported that United States President Donald Trump has hailed the late Indian American astronaut Kalpana Chawla as an inspiration for millions of American girls. Trump said in a proclamation honoring Americans of Asian and Pacific Islands descent that “Chawla’s courage and passion continue to serve as an inspiration for millions of American girls who dream of one day becoming astronauts".
Accordingly the month of May is celebrated in the US as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Moreover Trump said that during this month “we recognize their tremendous contributions, which have helped strengthen our communities, industries, Armed Forces, national security, and institutions of governance”.
Further praising the contributions of Asian
Americans, he said: “Through their industriousness and love of country, our
Nation has enjoyed the privileges and enrichment of multiple innovations and
societal advancements.” Trump added “Indian-American Kalpana Chawla was
the first woman of Indian descent to fly in space, and became an American hero
for her devotion to the Space Shuttle program and its various missions
transporting cargo and crew to and from the International Space Station".
