Young Minds Are Yearning To Explore: Narayan Bhargava

With recent successful lunar and solar missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1, how do you think Indian Space Research Organisation is impacting the psyche of Indian school students?

The enthusiasm for space missions and space activities has captured the imagination of students and young minds are yearning to explore. I see around me, young children feeling proud about ISRO achievements. There is an inquisitiveness amongst the students to choose the career path of becoming scientists. I believe career counselling services must now be actively offered to sensitise students and their parents regarding various career paths available for them.  

Data suggests that around 43 per cent of STEM graduates in India are women but their share in STEM jobs is merely 14 per cent. What should be done to improve this situation which will also lead to more women becoming part of space research and projects?

I see the situation improving. We see many women program directors leading the ISRO missions and accomplishing important milestones today. The acceptance of diversity and inclusion along with women centric government policies and schemes would for sure have a positive impact.  

What is Narayan Bhargava group's motivation for establishing the Kalpana Chawla Space Academy?

Our motivation is to fulfil the desire of Dr Abdul Kalaam expressed to one of our Board of Advisor, a National Awardee to do something different for science education. We formed an alliance of experts and institutions to fulfil his dreams. We are also inspired by Dr Kalpana Chawla  

What subjects and topics will be covered in the space education programme?

Science and mathematics, astronomy, rocketry, robotics, STEM, remote-sensing, astro-physiology, environmental science and bio-diversity. The programme is focussed on experiential learning which includes with projects, working model-making, assignments and internships for students to gain hands-on experience.  

Are there any prerequisites or qualifications that students need to meet in order to participate in the programme?

The student should be appearing for 6th standard exams in order to be eligible for appearing our entrance exam. They need to clear our entrance exam and other selection rounds to get selected. Post clearing of their 6th grade exams they would be inducted in 7th grade (state board curriculum).  

Is the programme affiliated with any space agency or institution, such as NASA or ISRO?

No. However, we are in the process of getting support of ISRO for our curriculum development and signing a MoU for capacity building.

Any message for students.

India is becoming a super power in space sector. We need students who would be contributing to the growth of the sector. As on today, they need to focus on learning the latest scientific knowledge, develop techniques of scientific enquiry, learn to apply knowledge to solve real-world problems and develop use cases.