Meet the city girl who recently won the Kalpana Chawala scholarship

Nashik

girl

Rushanka Amrutkar

has packed her bags and is ready to leave to France. But not on a holiday. The youngster has won the prestigious Dr Kalpana Chawala scholarship which comprises Euro 16,000 to attend space studies programme 2019 at International Space University in Strasbourg, France.

“During my internship in Indian Space Research Organisation, I got the opportunity to work with the leading scientists and research scholars. This led to the significant publications of my research work in Lambert Academic Publication as a solo author of three books. I feel honoured to be recently elected as a fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society. This gives me an opportunity to be a part of the eminent scientific community and cherish the shared knowledge pool,” said an elated Rushanka, who also recently got Sparrho Early Career Researcher Prize (£ 500).

A doctoral candidate pursuing her PhD from Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay), Rushanka was also invited as a panelist to co-chair a session along with scientists from NASA,

Northern Arizona University

,

Lowell Observatory

for Astronomy and Arizona State University at the Women in Space 2019 conference held at Arizona, US. “That event was aimed for scientists and engineers to showcase their work in the field of space and planetary science. The event highlighted the achievements of women and non-binary researchers, while offering an opportunity to discuss, challenge, network, and support their peers. There I presented my research on CubeSat launch mission and addressed leading researchers and bright women working within the space sector on a work-life balance session,” she added.

Rushanka, who hails from a lower middle class household, says that this scholarship is a dream come true. While the combined efforts of her brothers (Sushil and Nikhil Amrutkar distributed newspapers to ensure that their sister’s studies were uninterrupted) put her through her early schooling, college scholarships helped her pursue her higher studies. And now, she has this to say to youngsters aspiring in the field, “Dedication is key. Besides studies, one should also stay informed about the field which one wants to pursue and excel in. One should also focus on connection building which helps in many cases.”

Rushanka has dedicated her success to her family and friends and also the International Space University. “My family supported me to pursue my passion. I would also like to thank my mentors who consistently encouraged and guided me throughout the journey,” she signs off.


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