PK Chandana, who launched India’s 1st private rocket, scored 51 in maths; later cleared JEE
In a country where academic performance is often seen as the ultimate benchmark of a student’s potential, it’s inspiring to come across stories of individuals who defied the odds and achieved greatness despite not being top scorers in school. One such story is that of Pawan Kumar Chandana, also known as PK Chandana, the co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, a company that recently made history by launching India’s first private rocket into space. What’s even more remarkable about Chandana’s story is that he was an average student in school, scoring a mere 51 marks in mathematics.
According to Deedy Das, Chandana’s journey to success was far from straightforward. His father, despite being disappointed with his son’s poor performance in mathematics, refused to give up on him. Instead, he got Chandana enrolled in IIT-JEE coaching, which proved to be a turning point in the young boy’s life. With the right guidance and support, Chandana began to improve academically and developed a passion for science and mathematics. This newfound interest and dedication eventually led him to clear the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) and secure a seat at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur in 2007.
Chandana’s story serves as a testament to the fact that academic performance is not the only determinant of a person’s potential. With hard work, determination, and the right support, individuals can overcome their weaknesses and achieve greatness. In Chandana’s case, his journey from being an average student to becoming a pioneer in the field of private rocketry is a shining example of what can be achieved through perseverance and passion.
After completing his education at IIT Kharagpur, Chandana went on to work with several prominent organizations, including the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Tata Group. However, it was his entrepreneurial spirit and vision for a private rocketry company that ultimately led him to co-found Skyroot Aerospace. With a mission to make space technology more accessible and affordable, Chandana and his team have been working tirelessly to develop innovative rocket propulsion systems and launch vehicles.
The launch of India’s first private rocket, Vikram-S, on November 18, 2022, marked a historic milestone for Skyroot Aerospace and the Indian space industry as a whole. The rocket, which was designed and developed by Chandana and his team, successfully reached an altitude of 89.5 kilometers and demonstrated the capabilities of private rocketry in India. This achievement has not only put India on the global map of private space technology but also paved the way for future innovations and collaborations in the field.
Chandana’s story is also a reflection of the changing landscape of the Indian education system and the growing emphasis on STEM education (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). As the country continues to produce more engineers and scientists, it’s essential to recognize that academic performance is just one aspect of a person’s potential. By fostering a culture of innovation, experimentation, and risk-taking, we can encourage more students to pursue their passions and interests, even if they don’t conform to traditional notions of academic excellence.
In conclusion, PK Chandana’s journey from being an average student to becoming a pioneer in private rocketry is a powerful reminder that success is not solely determined by academic performance. With the right support, guidance, and passion, individuals can overcome their weaknesses and achieve greatness. As we celebrate Chandana’s achievement and the launch of India’s first private rocket, we must also recognize the importance of promoting a culture of innovation and experimentation in our education system. By doing so, we can unlock the full potential of our students and create a brighter future for our country.
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