In a proud moment for Tamil Nadu, 18-year-old Dhaanvi Karthikeyan from Virugambakkam, Chennai, has made history by becoming the first female student from the state to visit Russian space facilities. Her journey from a school classroom to the high-tech laboratories of Moscow is a story of determination, curiosity, and ambition that transcends borders.
Chosen from Half a Million Aspirants
Dhaanvi’s journey began with an online national-level competition, where nearly five lakh students from across India participated. After multiple rounds of screening and assessments, she emerged as one of the top five students selected to represent India at the International Aerospace Camp 2025 held in Moscow.
The five-day program offered participants a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the cutting-edge technology behind Russia’s space exploration — from astronaut training to satellite manufacturing.
Inside Russia’s Astronaut Training Hub
During her visit, Dhaanvi toured the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre, where generations of astronauts have prepared for missions to space. She also visited the International Aerospace Centre, observing live demonstrations of satellite assembly, flight simulations, and zero-gravity experiments.
Speaking to ANI, she shared her excitement:
“It was surreal to walk through the same corridors where real cosmonauts trained. I have always been fascinated by how science and imagination meet in space technology — this trip brought that dream to life.”
She credited her deep interest in quantum mechanics and astrophysics as her inspiration to pursue the field.
A Young Mind Rooted in Curiosity
A recent Class 12 graduate, Dhaanvi has also appeared for the NEET exam with hopes of becoming a doctor — but her curiosity extends far beyond Earth’s atmosphere. Alongside her school education, she completed an online course in Quantum Mechanics from Stanford University, igniting her passion for the mysteries of space.
Her father, who works at a private software firm in Chennai, said the family was overwhelmed with pride. “We always knew she was special, but seeing her return from Russia with so much confidence and knowledge was an emotional moment,” he said.
An Inspiration for Young India
Dhaanvi’s achievement isn’t just a personal victory — it’s a reminder of how far young Indian students can go when curiosity meets opportunity. Her story reflects India’s growing presence in global science and space education initiatives.
At Chennai Airport, her return was met with cheers and applause from relatives, teachers, and classmates. Many called her journey a symbol of hope for the next generation of Indian girls aspiring to reach the stars.
“This is just the beginning,” Dhaanvi said. “I want to continue learning and contribute to India’s progress in space medicine and quantum science.”
From Chennai to the Cosmos
As India’s space dreams soar higher, Dhaanvi Karthikeyan’s story stands as a beacon of inspiration — proving that the universe is not just for those who dream, but for those who dare to follow their curiosity all the way to the stars.
