and business . In the old days the sailors and navigators would rely on the position of the stars for directions , in the vast expanse of the oceans , this was their only beacon , wasn ’ t it ? In India , the farmers have always been using the sky and space for farming . It is inherently ingrained in our culture and needs to be taken up by more students .
Do you have a role model ?
I have always been inspired by the late astronaut Kalpana Chawla ; she is not only amazing in astronomy but her values … she ’ s wonderful ! I still remember reading that she used to sleep on the floor when she was living in Colorado , the United States while she was studying . She had no furniture in her apartment ; her room was filled only with books . She used the money she earned from her odd jobs to either fund her tuition or to help other friends of hers who couldn ’ t afford it . She used to make sketches of aircraft at the age of six instead of Barbie girls . So , that ’ s why she has taught me not just to be passionate and determined but also to be a good human being . And I think that ’ s the most important life lesson .
Do you have any hobbies ?
I like to play badminton and basketball . I love music … EDMs , my friends force me to watch movies ( laughs ). I love astrophotography . Oh ! And my new interest is aircraft ; I know how to perform take-off and landing .
“ You give many seminars and interact with young students like you across the globe . How is that experience ?”
Yes , I do , mainly high school students . I try to inspire them to look up , explore the vast expanse of the space . I talk about the Sun , Universe , Planets and extraterrestrial life forms . How astronauts live in space , how planets
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were made , the benefit of space science … it ’ s interesting to see their reactions ! They have this astounded wonderment on their faces , I can ’ t describe the expression , it ’ s amazing . I have interacted with students from countries like USA , Egypt , Israel and Australia . The feeling of curiosity and awe I experience when they question me is inexpressible .
“ Well it ’ s interesting to see Aryan , that your speeches connect so well with the audience .” “ We saw that you ’ ve engaged recently in some charitable donations . Could you elaborate ?”
Yes , sometimes my friends gift me books . Other genres apart from science . And instead of just keeping them on my bookshelf I donate them to the needy . I do the same every year with my school textbooks . I don ’ t give it to my friends , who can afford to buy it but to those who can ’ t . Actually one of my friend volunteers in Afghanistan , she teaches students there . A lot of the children there want to read and write . So , I donated 140 books for them this year . I interacted via Skype , they were happy to receive the books . In fact , right now I have donated all my books ; I only have 10 with me . My favourites , I ’ m hoping to buy some new .
“ Do you have any message for the youth reading this interview ?
“ To all the youth out there , I believe that one should always follow their passion , be hardworking . I even tell that one should draw a balance between their studies and ambitions .” Never disqualify yourself , belief in yourself . There is a quote I always say at the end of my speeches , “ Your dreams are your wings that help you to fly , go face the world and reach for the sky !”
WINSPIRE : Empowering youth | December , 2016