#GraduateStories – Atishay Khanna

I have often wondered what lies beyond Earth’s horizon, and how Earth would become just another planet inhabited by humans. Humans will become multiplanetary species due to a lack of alternatives as well as a desire to conquer. More than the urge and eagerness to conquer and know what lies ahead, we would have to rescue our humanity from natural disasters and threats owing to our anthropocentric mindset. It would be naïve not to embrace and recognise that space is the future, and that the vastness of space would complement our limitless vision. 

I eventually want to devote all of my work and resources to developing a system that makes space accessible to the average person. To realise and work toward that goal, I established the Space Entrepreneurship Series at Ashoka University, where academics and entrepreneurs from the space sector come to share their expertise with students. It was not much, but it was a step in the right direction. Ashoka University offered me with all the resources and guidance I required, and I received mentoring from the University’s Centre of Entrepreneurship. It was a fantastic event, with students attending and being able to study a sector that was relatively new and full of potential.   

Ashoka laid the groundwork for me and instilled in me ideals that will serve me well throughout my life. I have learnt the significance of forming a strong community and to rise beyond the individual and to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, to contribute to the realisation of a greater vision.  

Every Ashoka University student has their own vision for the future, but one thing that all of our visions have in common is that we cannot leave anyone behind because the community must move forward together. I shall take away from this institution the significance of thinking and creating in order to tackle the world’s problems. We must all awake the entrepreneur within us so that we can seek out and solve challenges. Students with a clear vision and strong principles are our hope in a world of despair.