Space is something fascinates every kid at their childhood, some want to become a Scientist, some wants to become a Pilot, some Astronaut and to name few. It all starts with the stars in the sky and goes till Satellites in the space. There is always revolutionaries that have changed the world and now the Space Revolution has already started, for which each one of us should take a step to learn more about Space Science and Technology.

I am Nikhitha, I am a Social Entrepreneur. Born and raised in Bangalore, India. It’s the same interest that I had on Space just like every other Kid and I started walking towards my dream of becoming an Astronaut. I did Aerospace Engineering from Alliance College of Engineering and Design, Alliance University Bangalore, where I started a Space Club with the support of my friends by which was limited only to college students alone.

Then is when I co-founded a Non-Governmental Organization called Society for Space Education Research and Development [www.sserd.org] with my friend Sujay Sreedhar during my college days. The organization aims to promote Space Education among the community and prepare the young generation for Space Revolution.
 
I have taught about Space Science to 6000 Students throughout India and we also started a branch in the Philippines. I take pleasure to say that I was invited to Sri Lanka and Mauritius to teach students about Space and Astronomy. I have guided school students in making the payloads that were launched to Near Space through High Altitude Balloon. I am currently guiding 20 African youngsters in STEM Education and Outreach. Soon, we will be starting a Branch in Nepal as well to spread the knowledge regarding Space Science and Technology.

I have been the Winner in Best Teacher  Presentation competition organized by ISRO during National Science Day-2018. I have won the Best Science Communicator award from Karnataka Science & Technology Academy during the Science Communication Workshop. To add SSERD has won the NGO Champion award in March 2018 by Youth for Seva during Corporate Volunteering Conclave and has also received the Appreciations from Government of Karnataka in Feb 2019.

I had applied for Space Studies Program at International Space University, France which is one of the best course for a Space Enthusiast from the whole world come to learn more about Space Technology, Space Policy and Entrepreneurship. I am very fortunate enough to get selected as one of the delegates from India for the works that I have undertaken under SSERD for promoting and creating awareness about Space. The Course starts from June 22nd and ends on August 24th, 2019 in Strasbourg, France. The Course fee is 18500 Euros and it includes tuition fee, stays, and accommodation. I have also received the partial funds by ISU and Kalpana Chawla Scholarship Fund of 16000 Euros. I have to pay the rest of the amount of 2500 Euros by April 31st and I have to bare my travel fare, Visa and also I have to handle medical insurance. 

I am not in a condition to afford the fee and I wouldn't like to let go of the opportunity. Hence, I am seeking financial support of 3000 Euros for my studies at International Space University, France.

I would in turn like to provide the support at all the areas I am good at. I will deliver the STEM-related workshops and give a talk on Space Technology and the Importance of Space Education, inspire students to take up Science, more importantly, Girls and Women to pursue their career in Science. I will teach all those Students who want to excel their knowledge about the Space and I will guide the students who want to get career guidance in the space field.

I could teach more, I could support more students only if I can attend this program, please do support.