In the vast expanse of space exploration, the journey of a pioneering woman stands as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of dreams. From her humble beginnings to her groundbreaking achievements, her story inspires and empowers individuals around the world.

Following are excerpts from an interaction of Dr Srimathy Kesan, Founder, and CEO of SpaceKidz India, with Huma Siddiqui:

When and how did you get interested in Space?

Embarking on my journey into space is a testament to resilience, ignited by a myriad of accomplishments and guided by an unwavering determination to reach for the stars. My trajectory has been marked by a diverse array of achievements, starting from excelling in academics and sports, where I clinched ten national basketball championships, to earning accolades as the State Athlete and All-Round Best Cadet of Andhra Pradesh NCC. These experiences instilled in me a sense of versatility and a drive for excellence that would later define my cosmic aspirations.

Despite an opportunity to serve in the army, destiny led me down a different path, culminating in marriage at the tender age of 18. For the next 16 years, I embraced the role of homemaker, unaware of the cosmic destiny that awaited me. However, in 2010, the universe conspired to unveil a new chapter in my life as I embarked on a transformative journey as an entrepreneur. 

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Driven by a fervent desire to inspire young minds, I transitioned into entrepreneurship, founding Space Kidz India and creating scientific experiential learning programs for over 3500 children worldwide. These initiatives earned me recognition and ambassadorship to prestigious space camps at NASA, ESA, and GCTC, Moscow, further fuelling my passion for space exploration.

But the cosmos had more in store for me. In 2014, I dared to reach for the heavens, launching our first BalloonSat into near space—a momentous occasion that marked the genesis of our journey into satellite technology.

Today, Space Kidz India stands as a beacon of innovation and determination, with 20 BalloonSats, 3 Sub-Orbital Satellites, and 4 Orbital Satellites adorning our celestial portfolio. From an all-rounder to homemaker to solo entrepreneur, my journey epitomizes the transformative power of determination and resilience.

Each milestone reached is a testament to the boundless potential within us all, urging us to dream, reach, and conquer the cosmos.

Who was your inspiration?

Since childhood, I have been an avid reader, devouring tales of remarkable women leaders from around the world. Their stories, brimming with courage, resilience, and unwavering determination, served as guiding lights illuminating the path ahead. From these narratives, I gleaned the essence of empowerment, learning to harness my inner strength and chart my own course amidst life’s tumultuous seas.

But perhaps the greatest inspiration of all came from within—the unwavering resolve to make every moment count, to infuse meaning into every breath. From the depths of my soul, I carved a solemn vow: to leave an indelible footprint upon the earth, not out of pride, but out of a profound sense of purpose. 

Thus, I became my own muse, continually striving to better myself with each passing day. For me, inspiration is not found in fleeting moments of adulation, but in the steadfast pursuit of personal growth and self-improvement. It is this ethos that fuels my journey, propelling me ever onward toward the stars.

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“No Pain, No Gain” is my mantra in life – Tell more about this.

In the vast expanse of the space industry, I stand as a solitary beacon of female leadership, blazing a trail where few have dared to tread. For over a decade, I have been the lone warrior in this celestial frontier, navigating uncharted territories with unwavering determination and resilience.

From the early days, when the very notion of launching a BalloonSat seemed like a distant dream, to the present, where prestigious institutions seek our support in building and launching satellites, the journey has been arduous yet fulfilling.

Launching an all-girls satellite, AzaadiSat, with 750 rural girl children spanning from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, was a world record. Despite the nascent stage of the industry, Space Kidz India has defied odds and perceptions, proving that students can design, build, and launch satellites.

What challenges did you face?

However, challenges persist, particularly in funding. Despite bootstrap efforts and support from Hexaware Technologies through their CSR, securing adequate funding remains a hurdle. Nevertheless, we remain undeterred, propelled by the vision of providing space services economically and affordably to the masses. 

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What advice do you have for the new generation of women entrepreneurs?

To new generation women entrepreneurs, I offer this advice: embrace the power of resilience, challenge perceptions, and never lose sight of your purpose. True innovation knows no boundaries, and with determination, we can pave the way for a future where the stars are within reach and the cosmos is our playground.

With these guiding principles, let us forge ahead, hand in hand, and pave the way for a future where the stars are within reach and the cosmos is our playground.