The President Dr.
A.P.J. Abdul Kalam has expressed his heartfelt condolences over
the death of Seven Astronauts in the Columbia Space Shuttle tragedy
and loss of the space shuttle. In a message to the President of
the United States of America Mr. George Bush, the President said
"As a member
of the space community and also as the President of India, I feel
deeply pained to learn about the great loss of the Columbia Space
Shuttle and the brave crew members – the seven astronauts. Allow
me to convey my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved
families. It all started with the courage of the brave human beings
starting from the Wright brothers, who gave marvels in aerospace
exploration harnessing it for the benefit for all humanity. That
courage will prevail particularly in the space community and others.
I join you in this hour of bereavement and pray to the Almighty
to give all of us the strength and courage to bear this and move
forward."
In another message
to Governor of Haryana, President has conveyed his heartfelt condolences
to the family of Astronaut Ms. Kalpana Chawla who originally belonged
to Karnal in Haryana. In a message the President said
"I feel
deeply pained to learn about the great loss involving the brave
crew members – the seven astronauts of Columbia Space Shuttle,
particularly Ms. Kalpana Chawla.
We in India had
been especially proud that our own Kalpana Chawla was part of
this Space Mission. Alas, we have tragically though heroically,
lost her. We pray to God to give courage to all of us and to her
family members to bear this irreparable loss. We are proud of
you Kalpana: we salute you. These setbacks shall only spur us
on. We shall continue to aim for the sky and beyond, everything
notwithstanding. The Almighty shall always be with us.
Please convey
my heartfelt condolences to the members of the bereaved family.
I am sure, the space flight endeavors of Ms Kalpana Chawla will
always be remembered."
