Radio Feature on APJ Abdul Kalam

Interview

Aspiring new heights 

Shyama Narendranath, scientist with ISRO, says her career is    her passion and has a long way to go besides being part of the Chandrayan Mission,writes Niranjana Varma.

You were part of the prestigious “Chandrayaan” mission. What do you call your  role in this?

 I was involved in the development of one of the instruments on Chandrayaan-1-(C1xS). It was an X-ray spectrometer aimed at mapping lunar surface chemistry. My main responsibilities were characterizing the X-ray detectors, calibration ,operations in flight-data analysis and publication of results. This work also formed my PhD thesis.

 What was your feeling when “Chandrayaan” became successful?

         Of course I felt elated.

 What/Who was your inspiration in choosing this career?

My mother prompted me to take physics. Perhaps it was at that time of doing a summer project at the Indian Institute Of Astrophysics that I was fascinated with space.

You’ve reached great heights in your career. How do you balance between an accountable position  in ISRO and your family life?

Not really, there is a long way to go. Work-life balance is a struggle for every working woman. But when your career is your passion, it brings about immense satisfaction and not a burden. And of course if you have highly supportive parents, an encouraging husband and not so fussy kids, life becomes a lot easier!

Is there anyone who has influenced you in your career?

Very  much. My  PhD  thesis  Supervisor ,Dr.S.Sreekumar,Director,Indian Institute of Astrophysics, has been and is still a great influence. He is my mentor as well as a friend, philosopher and guide.

Do you think you were destined to be a scientist or had any other ambitions when younger?

I wanted to be a writer sometimes .Another wish unfulfilled is to be a great dancer!

Have you taken up any project now? 

Yes I am involved in “Chandrayaan-2”. It’s about the development of a special type  of  X-ray focusing  mirrors, studying solar coronal abundances, Venus atmospheric chemistry etc.

Most of the students in Kerala nowadays opt for a career in the field of engineering and medicine. What is your opinion about it?

If you are able to find out what you really like to do in life  Pursue  every option to make it your career. You will never regret. There is no such thing as “scope” so please  don’t  blindly join these courses just for an immediate job. To reach great heights, you have to be passionate.

How do you visualize your success?

I am proud to be part of Indian planetary missions which have provided several insights in planetary science. It’s an exciting field probing fundamental science. The more you try to understand, further questions arise and you realize your insignificance in this vast wide universe!

                  

An interview with Shafi Parambil

A Chat with Shafi Parambil

Athira.M of XII Humanities had a chat with Shafi Parambil,MLA,Palakkad.

Radio Feature ...

Teachers Day

In memory of a Great Teacher

 

      
                    "  When We Think We Know We Cease To Learn"

 

 A teacher is an indispensable part of a student's life.The students of N S S H S S conducted a special assembly on Teacher's day to salute and acknowledge their teachers who put in a lot of hard work  for their over all development.Different titles were accorded on the teachers to show their respect and love towards them.Radhakrishnan Nair.M ,the Principal was granted the" Most Efficient Teacher"title.They also recited a poem that spoke well of the adorable nature of a guru.

Gandhi Jayanti Celebration

An Act of Service

 

The students and teachers of N SS H S S made up a team and carried out a cleanliness drive on the school premises on Gandhi Jayanti.The boys teamed up with some teachers cleaned the entire school campus when the girls spruced up the class rooms,office room and labs.They were served Kappa and Chutney at the end of their act of service.

 

Onam celebration

It was a day off for learning and the students were all set for a celebration.They moved their feet to the rousing beat of the Nasik Dhol that kick started the celebrations.

               

All the classes participated in the Pookkalam competition in wwhich XI Humanities,XI Science and XII Humanities bagged the first ,second and third positions respectively.This was followed by an array of games.With bubbling enthusiasm students participated in   tug-of-war, spoon race,bottle filling,balloon bursting etc.

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