PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
The story of PK Chandana, the Co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, is a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams, regardless of their academic background. Chandana, the man behind the launch of India’s first private rocket to space, was once an average student who scored a mere 51 marks in mathematics. However, his journey from being an average student to becoming a pioneer in the field of private rocket launch is a fascinating one.
According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s father didn’t give up on his son’s potential, even when his academic performance was not up to the mark. Instead, he got Chandana 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 started to excel in his studies and eventually cleared the prestigious JEE exam.
In 2007, Chandana joined IIT-Kharagpur, one of the most renowned institutions in the country, to pursue his engineering degree. This marked the beginning of his journey in the field of science and technology, and he never looked back. Chandana’s passion for space and rocketry grew during his time at IIT-Kharagpur, and he began to explore the possibilities of pursuing a career in this field.
After completing his degree, Chandana worked with various organizations, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), where he gained valuable experience and expertise in the field of rocket launch. However, his dream of launching a private rocket into space remained unfulfilled, until he co-founded Skyroot Aerospace with his friend and colleague, Bharath Daka.
Skyroot Aerospace, which was founded in 2018, is a private aerospace manufacturer and launch services company based in Hyderabad. The company’s mission is to make space travel more accessible and affordable, and it has been working towards achieving this goal by developing innovative and cutting-edge technologies.
The launch of India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, on November 18, 2022, marked a significant milestone in the country’s space program. The rocket, which was developed by Skyroot Aerospace, carried three payloads into space and successfully demonstrated the company’s capabilities in the field of rocket launch.
Chandana’s journey from being an average student to becoming a pioneer in the field of private rocket launch is an inspiration to many. His story highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination in achieving one’s goals. It also shows that with the right guidance and support, anyone can overcome their weaknesses and achieve greatness.
In an interview, Chandana credited his father for his success, saying that his father’s decision to get him enrolled in IIT-JEE coaching was a turning point in his life. He also emphasized the importance of having a strong support system, saying that his family and friends had been instrumental in his success.
Chandana’s story is also a testament to the fact that India’s education system, although flawed, can still produce talented and innovative individuals. The fact that Chandana was able to clear the JEE exam and go on to join IIT-Kharagpur, despite scoring just 51 marks in mathematics, shows that the system is not entirely broken.
However, Chandana’s story also highlights the need for reforms in India’s education system. The fact that a student who scored just 51 marks in mathematics was able to clear the JEE exam and go on to achieve great things shows that the system is not entirely merit-based. It also highlights the need for a more holistic approach to education, one that takes into account a student’s overall potential and abilities, rather than just their academic performance.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s story is an inspiration to many, and his achievement is a testament to the fact that with hard work and determination, anyone can achieve their dreams. His journey from being an average student to becoming a pioneer in the field of private rocket launch is a fascinating one, and it highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and determination in achieving one’s goals.
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