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The Kalpana Chawla Space Academy (KCSA) was recently inaugurated in Lonavla with the aim of nurturing and training school students in space education. The academy, named after the first Indian-born woman astronaut, Kalpana Chawla, plans to offer a four-year residential program to students from Class 7. The selection process involves a Pan-India entrance test and various other rounds.

The establishment of KCSA is a significant step towards encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. Sudheer Kumar N, director of capacity building and public outreach at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), believes that programs focusing on space science and technology will foster scientific curiosity and contribute to societal development. This aligns with India’s ambition to make strides in space technology.

Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), attended the inauguration as the chief guest. The academy was established at Adv Bapusaheb Bhonde High School, which is operated by the Vidya Niketan Education Trust. It was developed through the Narayan Bhargava Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the Narayan Bhargava Group.

The curriculum at KCSA will have a strong emphasis on vocational training in space sciences, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The academy aims to identify and nurture talented students from a young age, molding them into top-notch scientists, innovators, and space enthusiasts. Leading space scientists, engineers, and other renowned personalities in the field will provide mentorship and exposure to the global space community.

The academy has already commenced training a batch of 25 students from Adv Bapusaheb Bhonde High School in the current academic year. The subjects covered include science, mathematics, astronomy, remote-sensing, rocketry, robotics, STEM, environmental science, biodiversity, astro-physiology, and even Sanskrit. The curriculum is taught through activity-based modules and more than 200 experiments. Creative mediums such as puppetry and drama are also used to reinforce learning.

KCSA is considering extending its residential program to six years to provide a continuous long-term career path for its students. This will ensure that students have ample time to explore and immerse themselves fully in the field of space science and technology.

Overall, the Kalpana Chawla Space Academy is a promising initiative that will contribute to India’s continued dominance in the space sector by nurturing and training future scientists.

Sources:
– Hindustan Times (No URL)
– National Education Policy 2020 (https://indiacode.nic.in/bitstream/123456789/9727/1/THE-NATIONAL-EDUCATION-POLICY-2020.pdf)

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