“By nurturing young minds from an early age, we aim to cultivate a new generation of world-class scientists,” says Mr. Narayan Bhargava, CMD, Narayan Bhargava Group.
To learn more about the Dr. Kalpana Chawla Space Academy (KCSA) program for schools, space education for school children in India, opportunities in the space sector and more, we spoke with Mr. Narayan Bhargava, CMD, Narayan Bhargava Group.
Below are a few excerpts from our conversation. You can watch the full conversation on our YouTube channel.
Q. How does the Dr. Kalpana Chawla Space Academy contribute to India’s STEM education goals, and why is space education so essential for fostering innovation and scientific discovery in the country?
A. India is positioned favorably to emerge as a leading player in space exploration. This is attributed to our exceptional talent pool and the development of cost-effective models, which have propelled India’s space program forward. It’s projected that within the next decade, India will likely rank among the top space powers globally, potentially securing the top spot within 15 to 20 years. The Prime Minister has already outlined ambitious goals, aiming for a space station by 2035 and significant advancements by 2040. Just as air travel transformed over the past few decades, space travel is anticipated to undergo a similar revolution in the coming years.
However, a critical aspect often overlooked is the need for skilled scientists to achieve these goals. Unlike software engineers, who can be trained in a relatively short time, scientists require a deeper understanding ingrained in their DNA from a young age. This is where initiatives like the Dr. Kalpana Chawla Space Academy become pivotal. Our mission is clear: to build a nation of scientists capable of leading India’s space endeavors to new heights. Through a comprehensive curriculum spanning six years, we instill in students the knowledge and skills necessary to meet our objectives and excel in the field of space exploration.
Q. How can the Dr. Kalpana Chawla Space Academy ignite curiosity in more students and encourage other schools to follow suit?
A. Within our affiliated school, we initiated a trial program for students from the 7th standard onwards. Over the past four months, we’ve witnessed remarkable transformations. Students now eagerly dedicate extended hours to studying space-related subjects, experiencing heightened confidence and envisioning themselves as future scientists. Their enthusiasm and improved academic performance attest to the effectiveness of our approach.
Regarding extending this initiative to other schools, I believe in prioritizing quality over quantity. While there’s potential for widespread adoption, it’s crucial to avoid diluting the curriculum to cater to mass appeal. Instead, we envision select institutions across India offering high-quality education in space science. Despite receiving requests from six schools to implement similar programs, we’re exercising caution to ensure sustained success before expanding further.
Q. How can space education align with hands-on learning and vocational education in schools, as per NEP 2020?
A. We’ve prioritized practical learning over theory, dedicating 80% of our program to hands-on experiments and projects out of a total 100 hours of learning. By actively engaging both body and mind in experimentation, students develop lifelong skills. Our aim is to make this hands-on approach a natural part of their routine, fostering curiosity and encouraging students to seek answers independently, with guidance when needed.
Q. What subjects or activities are part of the after-school program? Please share a few examples of the practical experiments and learning students engage in.
A. So, essentially, our plan is to integrate space education with the traditional schooling system. Students will undergo regular schooling until completing their 10th and 12th grades, ensuring they meet standard educational milestones. Following this, we’ll provide specialized training in space research. Our current schedule involves three hours of space education per day, five days a week, totaling 15 hours weekly. Additionally, we’ve introduced a unique aspect where students spend one day in nature each week to cultivate curiosity and observation skills. Our goal is to instill inquisitiveness and critical thinking, equipping students to not only ask questions but also seek and find solutions through practical exploration.
Q. Can digital media or technology sustain broader engagement beyond selected students?
A. If someone rejects digital media and technology, they’re not embracing the present. We’re teaching futuristic concepts, so it’s essential. We’re already digitally connected and fostering awareness to attract passionate individuals. Our aim is to empower skilled and dedicated students to become prideful assets for our country.
Also read: School level pre-vocational education through life skills
Q. Is there any message you would to share to the youth?
A. Addressing young people and everyone, I emphasize that this journey is uncharted, akin to the excitement of reaching the moon. There’s no predefined curriculum, but with support from organizations like ISRO, we’re overcoming challenges. ISRO has supported the six-year curriculum development and vetted the curriculum of KCSA. We’re creating our own path, aiming to contribute to India’s future by nurturing scientists we can all be proud of.
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