PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
The journey to success is often paved with obstacles, and for some, it may seem like an insurmountable mountain to climb. However, with determination, hard work, and the right support, even the most average of students can achieve greatness. The story of Pawan Kumar Chandana, also known as PK Chandana, is a testament to this fact. Chandana, the Co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, recently made headlines by launching India’s first private rocket into space. What’s even more remarkable is that this achiever was once an average student who scored a mere 51 marks in mathematics.
Chandana’s journey to success began in his hometown of Visakhapatnam, where he grew up with a passion for science and mathematics. However, his early academic performance did not quite reflect his interests. According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s father did not give up on his son’s potential, despite his average grades. Instead, he got Chandana enrolled in IIT-JEE coaching, which proved to be a turning point in his academic career. With the right guidance and support, Chandana began to improve academically and developed a deeper love for science and mathematics.
The effort and dedication paid off when Chandana cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) in 2007, securing a seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur. This was a significant milestone in his academic journey, and it marked the beginning of his path to success. Chandana’s experience at IIT-Kharagpur not only honed his technical skills but also instilled in him a sense of confidence and determination.
After completing his education, Chandana went on to work with several organizations, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. These experiences not only broadened his knowledge and skills but also deepened his passion for space technology. In 2018, Chandana, along with his friend and colleague, Bharath Daka, founded Skyroot Aerospace, with the vision of developing and launching India’s first private rocket.
The journey to launching India’s first private rocket was not an easy one. Chandana and his team faced numerous challenges, including funding constraints, technical hurdles, and regulatory issues. However, they persevered, driven by their passion and determination to succeed. Finally, on November 18, 2022, Skyroot Aerospace launched its first rocket, Vikram-S, into space, marking a historic milestone in India’s space program.
Chandana’s story is an inspiration to millions of students across the country who may be struggling with their academic performance. It highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the right support in achieving success. As Chandana’s father did not give up on him, despite his average grades, parents and educators must also recognize the potential in their children and provide them with the necessary guidance and support to help them succeed.
Moreover, Chandana’s achievement is a testament to the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in India. The success of Skyroot Aerospace demonstrates that with the right vision, skills, and support, Indian startups can compete with the best in the world. It also highlights the importance of promoting science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the country, to develop the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s story is a remarkable one, which highlights the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the right support in achieving success. From scoring 51 marks in mathematics to launching India’s first private rocket into space, Chandana’s journey is an inspiration to millions. As India continues to strive for excellence in the field of space technology, stories like Chandana’s will serve as a reminder of the power of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country.
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