Exclusive Interview with Sameer Sachdeva, CEO of Spaceport India Foundation

HBW News takes pride in honoringSameer Sachdeva, the CEO of Spaceport India Foundation. He receives Global Achievers Awards 2021 for his contribution to Space Technology. He believes in uplifting society through robust technologies that are game-changers. He inspires youth to have a vision in life and be confident in whatever they are doing. Here’s an exclusive interview with Sameer Sachdeva:

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I am the Founder and CEO of Spaceport India Foundation Not-for-profit Organization approved by Govt. of India. I am a passionate Astronomer, Rocketeer, and Techie working Robotics, Nanosatellites, and Drones that can help society and our young generation in some way or the other. 

What were the challenges that you faced initially and how did you overcome them?

We have a big struggle getting funds (donors and sponsors) in India who can help us acquire necessary equipment, educational kits, help educate village kids, set up STEM labs in Villages, cities, and sponsor our events that are free of cost for the kids across the country. We are trying to manage everything on our own internally without any outside help as of now.

What has been your most significant achievement?

• We are currently working on cost-effective rocketry and nanosatellites that can help establish scientific research work for India. 
• We have been providing free Science education and are already working with some of the villages to establish mini science labs to promote science awareness and provide free education, books on rent, and science innovation work. 
• We are working on Agricultural drones that are cost-effective and can help farmers to achieve more technical benefits even when there is a lack of rain and overcoming other issues. 
• We are the first organization in India to have a tie-up with IAU NASE (Network for Astronomy School Education) to organize free-of-cost Astrophysics workshops for teachers across the country and provide very cost-effective hands-on activity to make teachers and kids learn astronomy without the need to purchase costlier equipment.

How do you come up with new ideas?

I always look at the common problems that can be solved with the help of technology

Who is your biggest inspiration?

Late Sri APJ Kalam Sir.

What motivates you?

Everything comes from inside if you want to do something for all. I always want to do something for our country and our young generation.

What does a typical day look like for you?

Hectic! So many ideas and plans to work upon.

Who do you look toward for advice?

My inner self. If you are confident and if you talk to yourself then you will find the right path and solution to every problem.

How do you define success?

Success is just like baby steps forward sometimes and backward sometimes; full of failures and small achievements to accompany your destiny.

What are your growth plans for the next 12 months?

I want to reach out to more and more school and college kids (both urban and rural) to provide Space Science (or STEM in general) education and research work opportunities in an interactive way. Our education system needs a change, and I want to be the change for all.