Three Indians have bagged the prestigious International Award 24 Under 24 Leaders and Innovators in STEAM and Space announced by American Science Advocacy Organization. The Mars Generation receives several thousand nominations every year for the award.
Aakash Gautam, a 22-year-old astronomer from Himachal Pradesh has bagged the title this year for his remarkable contribution to Space education through Planet Aakash School and other online platforms. Planet Aakash School, a web-based astronomy school that witnesses an enrollment of 500+ students every year, produces space educational content in multiple consumable formats, including visual imagery, videos, infographics and even books.
In 2019, Aakash also co-founded CosmosNow, an Indian Astronomy Magazine that curates amateurs and young learners’ content. While briefing on his future projects, Aakash said that he plans to launch his third astronomy book soon and is further planning to create a full-fledged astronomy course and curriculum for school students.
Arunima Sen, an 18-year-old STEM Advocate, bagged the title for her innovative and progressive solutions to global problems using STEM. Arunima has also won Rashtriya Bal Puruskar, India’s highest civilian honor for exceptional achievers under 18, for her ambitious projects including designing energy-efficient skyscrapers, solutions to effectively combat malnutrition, sensor-based technology to control poaching, etc. Arunima’s biggest accomplishment so far has been her project Homestead Green, which is aimed at solving some of the environmental challenges caused by rapid urban expansion. She has also won President’s gold medal.
Thendral Kamal, a 17-year-old Space advocate, is the founder and President of her school’s astrophysics club. She has designed a space curriculum for her school called “Bringing Space to Classrooms”. She was also the winner of UAE’s Zero Gravity competition in 2018. Thendral has been able to share her passion for space on various platforms, including TEDx. She hopes to become the first Indian woman to step foot on Mars. Apart from these three, 21 other people worldwide were awarded the title in various fields of Science, Technology, Engineering And Space.
Thank you for making India proud of your work. It feels really good to hear of Indians whose work has drummed ears in countries like the United States. We wish you all luck and success in life.