Once upon a time, in a world filled with wonder and daring feats, there lived a trapeze artist who dreamt of reaching the stars. With his acrobatic skills and a heart full of ambition, he devised an audacious plan to soar higher.

It was the late 19th century and the man was Ram Chandra Chatterjee; a trapeze player hailing from Calcutta, working for the National Circus Company. He was one of India's earliest gymnasts and trapeze artists. But he suddenly discovered a new phenomenon.

Hot-air ballooning was all the rage in 18th-century Europe, but it took until 1836 for India to witness its maiden flight by D. Robertson. But the real balloon fever erupted when the famous balloonist Percival Spencer arrived in India in the late 1880s.

On March 19, 1889, Spencer took off from Calcutta Race Course and a month later, on 10th April, 1889, he was joined by the intrepid Ram Chandra Chatterje.

Inspired by his joint ascent with Spencer, Chatterjee set his sights on a solo flight. He acquired Spencer's balloon, "The Viceroy," renaming it "The City of Calcutta." With the support of the Tagores of Pathuriaghata, Chatterjee embarked on his solo, ambitious journey.

On April 27, 1889, a grand day was planned for the first 'native' Bengali man to take a balloon ride. Thousands of spectators gathered at the Gas Company ground in anticipation. However, nature had other plans.

Despite the disappointment, Ram Chandra Chatterjee remained resolute. He set the new ascent date for May 4th and assured those with tickets that they would still be honored. His determination kept the hopes alive for those eager to witness his extraordinary feat.

On the big day, with a musical band playing, Hindu rituals complete, and 8,000 spectators eagerly watching, Ram Chandra Chatterjee took flight in his light suit and cap aboard "The City of Calcutta." Up, up, and away.

A historic moment unfolded in the skies of Calcutta. The balloon floated for nearly 40 minutes and reached a height of 4,000 ft before gently descending near Sodepore. This date, May 4th, 1889, should be marked as a golden chapter in India's space adventure