PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
In a country where academic excellence is often considered the key to success, it is inspiring to come across stories of individuals who have defied the odds and achieved greatness despite not being top scorers in school. One such person is Pawan Kumar Chandana, co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, the company behind the launch of India’s first private rocket to space. What is even more remarkable about Chandana’s story is that he was an average student who scored just 51 marks in mathematics, a subject that is crucial for a career in aerospace engineering.
According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s journey to success is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work. Despite his poor performance in mathematics, Chandana’s father did not give up on him. Instead, he got him enrolled in IIT-JEE coaching, where he improved academically and began to develop a love for science and mathematics. This decision proved to be a turning point in Chandana’s life, as he went on to clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and secure a seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kharagpur.
In 2007, Chandana joined IIT-Kharagpur, where he pursued a degree in aerospace engineering. It was during his time at IIT that Chandana’s passion for space technology and rocketry really took off. He was fascinated by the idea of exploring space and pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible. This passion, combined with his newfound love for mathematics and science, drove him to work hard and excel in his studies.
After completing his degree, Chandana went on to work with several top companies in the field of aerospace engineering, including ISRO and Tata Aerospace. However, he soon realized that his true calling was to start his own company and work on developing innovative technologies that could help India become a major player in the global space industry.
In 2018, Chandana co-founded Skyroot Aerospace, a company that aimed to develop and launch India’s first private rocket to space. The journey was not easy, and Chandana faced several challenges along the way, including funding issues and technological hurdles. However, he persevered and worked tirelessly to overcome these obstacles, driven by his vision of making India a major player in the global space industry.
Finally, on November 18, 2022, Chandana’s dream became a reality when Skyroot Aerospace launched India’s first private rocket to space. The rocket, named Vikram-S, was successfully launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, and reached an altitude of 89.5 kilometers, marking a major milestone in India’s space program.
Chandana’s story is an inspiration to millions of young people in India who may not be top scorers in school but have a passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It shows that with hard work, perseverance, and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their academic background.
It also highlights the importance of parental support and guidance in helping children overcome their weaknesses and develop their strengths. Chandana’s father played a crucial role in his success, and his decision to enroll him in IIT-JEE coaching proved to be a turning point in his life.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s story is a testament to the power of hard work, perseverance, and determination. From scoring just 51 marks in mathematics to launching India’s first private rocket to space, Chandana’s journey is an inspiration to millions of young people in India. His story shows that with the right mindset and support, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their academic background.
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