18-Year-Old from Chennai Makes History as First Tamil Nadu Girl to Visit Russian Space Centre

18-Year-Old Dhaanvi Karthikeyan | Image Credits: ANI on X

Dhaanvi Karthikeyan from Chennai has created history by becoming the first female student from Tamil Nadu to visit an astronaut training and satellite manufacturing facility in Moscow, Russia. The 18-year-old from Virugambakkam was selected from a nationwide online competition in which nearly five lakh students participated. She became one of only five students chosen from India to attend a five-day International Aerospace Camp in the Russian capital.

Visit to Russian Space Facilities

During the programme, she visited the astronaut training centre and observed satellite manufacturing processes at the International Aerospace Centre in Moscow. She also interacted with experienced cosmonauts and learnt about the technical aspects involved in space missions. Dhaanvi described the experience as a dream come true and said that her strong interest in quantum mechanics encouraged her to pursue subjects related to space.

Education and Future Plans

Dhaanvi recently completed Class 12 at a private school in Chennai and appeared for the NEET examination as she aims to pursue a career in medicine. Alongside her school education, she completed an online Quantum Mechanics course from Stanford University through a private institute, which helped her develop a deeper passion for physics and aerospace studies.

Her father works in a private software company, and her family expressed pride in her achievement. Relatives and friends gathered at Chennai Airport to welcome her home, marking a proud moment for Tamil Nadu. This unique opportunity has encouraged her to continue exploring career paths that connect her interests in both science and space research.

(With inputs from ANI)