The editorial team at IGenPlus strives to highlight unique learning experiences and stories of change. Here’s our interview with Rifath Sharook, who created the world’s smallest, lightest, and low-cost nano satellite along with his team at Space Kidz India (SKI).
How has your journey at SKI unfolded?
SKI turned my life upside-down, making so many things that I dreamt of possible like being able to sit with the ISRO chairman and discuss the missions, going to the launchpad and putting your satellite into the rocket. While it has been a lot of fun, there have been many lessons. It takes years of effort to build a satellite, and there are so many regulatory procedures as well. Sometimes you feel fidgety but because you are passionate about the projects, you proceed.
Do we need more practical experience in the education system to encourage students towards science and innovation? 
It has to be a combination. A lot of students now believe that practical knowledge is the only way to learn, however it has to be practical and theoretical too, you need to read and study first and then look at applying it. Just as an example, there is a difference between a mechanic and a mechanical engineer.

Students also have to understand that it will be a long journey, not a one-day thing. To be a scientist or a researcher, you must have that kind of endurance, to not give up  easily and get pulled down.
How do you think your learning has been different compared to your peers?
SKI is a platform about enabling possibilities and mentoring the right mind. I was born in a small village, where I didn’t have proper access to the internet. From there to sending satellites in space and planning for the moon, it has been surreal, but it is not a single day journey. We get a lot of mails from students who want to do a lot but the mindset is missing; they want to build satellites in three months to six months time and become popular. They are attracted by seeing us on TV etc. overlooking what went through the years. SKI is not about short-term things, it’s an incubation centre for students to grow. If they want to do something groundbreaking, they need to invest time.
How have you managed your studies through these years?
During the initial days, I worked from my home town itself. We used to do calls over night and during weekends. Once I got into college I moved to Chennai only for SKI. My college, the course, the stay, everything I computed according to SKI. I got offers from many top universities but I chose a college near SKI. It took a lot of computing and adjustments.

Rifath with SKI’s founder, Dr. Srimathy Kesan

It is tiring at times but I love what I do at SKI and the exposure I get, so it is all worth it. Also,the team is like family. We must remember that one person cannot do everything, it is always a team effort.
How has your family’s experience been?
I am very thankful to have a supportive family that trusts my decisions. However, as a child when I used to just go to science fairs, etc. even my parents had their doubts and thought I was just wandering around. I proved to them why I wanted to pursue this with the results, which allowed me to build trust over time and then continue. This is what students miss these days, it is a two-way street: explore as much as you can at a young age but be observant and practical to know what is really working for you.
This interview was originally published in the Science & Innovation issue of The Plus magazine by IGenPlus.