Iniya Pragathi, the 13-year-old space prodigy from Chennai, during her analogue astronaut training mission (Photo: Pinterest)
Iniya Pragathi, born in Chennai, at thirteen she has achieved what several veteran scientists aspire for the title of the world's youngest analogue astronaut. Her name glimmers among space enthusiasts worldwide for her passion, determination and great accomplishments in space research. Iniya spoke about her extraordinary journey and her move from humble beginnings to simulated missions and inspiring children all around the world toward science and astronomy during a two-day rendezvous in Hyderabad.
It is no small undertaking to fashion one lifestyle split between books and telescopes. Iniya said her routine pertains to a rigorous regimen of discipline and endurance she works at school in the daytime, getting immersed in research, study and training at night. Iniya begins her studies in astrophysics and the preparations for the mission while her friends are relaxing from school. The spirit of education fused with studies of space is a balance uncommonly made by any adult to testify that ambition knows no boundaries.
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The fascination with space began for Iniya in the starry skies at just five with the initial curiosity turned into thorough digging, and by seven, she was reading research papers far too complex to digest. The day her father could not answer her questions anymore, she began writing them, which soon turned into the first book, Iniya in Infinite Universe. From something of a child's wonder of the stars, it has grown into a lifelong passion for interplanetary exploration.
Her path to analogue astronaut was uneasy, marked with skepticism and hardships. The doubts of many came forth with her age against her and were questioning whether or not she was ready for such complex tasks. Determination then became her best ally.
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After hundreds of applications and emails, she gained admission into the lesser-known club of global analogue astronauts. Since then, Iniya has completed four isolation missions participating from Russia to Brazil and even up on the Arctic's Devon Island, one of our planet's most extreme habitats. Each mission put her endurance, adaptability and bravery to the test under simulated Martian conditions.
Iniya is now preparing for her NASA training and upcoming missions in the USA. Her dreams are not solely for herself-to work with ISRO and go to Mars-but to inspire and motivate young minds. She strongly believes that opportunities in STEM should be equal for everyone for young girls, encouraging them to dream beyond the societal set limits. Through her story, Iniya Pragathi proclaims to the world that passion, dedication and drive can lead even the youngest dreamers to the stars.
Disclaimer: This article is based on verified public information and aims to inspire young readers through the achievements of Iniya Pragathi.
