From representing Australia at a global space conclave in India to inspiring the next generation of women in STEM, the Mission ShakthiSAT girls receive a special welcome from NSW parliamentarian Hon.Jacqui Munro MLC.
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – What began as an ambitious dream to bring 12,000 girls from 108 countries together through space science has become a global movement for young women in STEM. Now, following their participation in an international space conclave in India, Australia’s Mission ShakthiSAT delegation has returned home to a special welcome from the Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC, Shadow Minister for Science and Technology in NSW.
A Global Mission, an Australian Success Story
Conceived by Dr. Srimathy Kesan, Founder and CEO of Space Kidz India, Mission ShakthiSAT is an ambitious international initiative bringing together 12,000 girls from 108 countries, providing 120 hours of free satellite engineering and space technology education.
The mission aims to break barriers in aerospace education by giving girls, regardless of their geographical, cultural or socioeconomic backgrounds, an opportunity to contribute to a global satellite project.
Australia has played a significant role in this international endeavour.
With more than 250 girls participating from across Australia, seven finalists emerged through a competitive selection process, with four outstanding students chosen to represent the nation at the Global Conclave in India.
The Australian delegation reflected the diversity and strength of the nation:
- Aarvi Chhabra, New South Wales – Castle Hill High School
- Dhanvi Deshpande, Queensland – Corinda State High School
- Evelyn Larsen, Regional Victoria – St Joseph’s College Mildura
- Kathleen Roberts, First Nations Representative – Wyndham Central College
Together, these four young Australians represented not only their respective communities but also a generation determined to challenge traditional boundaries in science and technology.
Australian Leadership Creating Global Impact
At the heart of Australia’s participation is Sukruti Narayanan, Founder and President of AIMERS Foundation, who serves as both the Australian Ambassador and Global Head of Partnerships for Mission ShakthiSAT.
Under her leadership, AIMERS Foundation was involved beyond mentoring and mobilising students. As one of the mission’s major international fundraising partners, AIMERS Foundation raised over AUD 40,000, helping facilitate travel for delegates from 11 countries to attend the Global Conclave in India.
The Foundation’s contribution reflects a powerful belief: talent is universal, but opportunity must be created.
A Mission That Captured International Attention
Among its significant milestones was the appreciation towards the initiative by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during the 137th episode of his radio programme, Mann Ki Baat.
The mission has received international appreciation, highlighting the growing importance of initiatives that bring together young women across borders to collaborate in science and innovation.
A Special Welcome from NSW Parliamentarian Jacqui Munro
Upon the delegation’s return to Australia, the Hon. Jacqui Munro MLC became the first parliamentarian to meet and congratulate members of the Australian Mission ShakthiSAT team on their successful completion of Phase 2.
The meeting brought together the participants of the Mission and the student leaders of AIMERS Foundation :
Aarvi Chhabra, NSW Student State Leader for Mission ShakthiSAT and a student at Castle Hill High School;
Ria Modi, Mission ShakthiSAT Australian finalist from Xavier Catholic College;
Arshiya Harihara Subramaniam, AIMERS Foundation student leader from Asquith High School; and
Sanvi Samal, AIMERS Foundation student leader from Castle Hill High School.
They were accompanied by Sukruti Narayanan, who led the discussion on the mission’s achievements, Australia’s role in international STEM collaboration and the importance of creating opportunities for the next generation.
When Young Girls See Women in Space, Possibilities Become Limitless
The conversation sparked an enthusiastic response from the students, when Ms Munro asked the students about the significance of seeing Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the 2026 Australian of the Year, and what her achievements meant for young women aspiring to enter the space industry.
Students reflected on the importance of seeing Australian women succeed in fields traditionally dominated by men. For these young leaders, representation matters.
Also,seeing an Australian woman achieve international recognition in astronaut training and space science reinforces a powerful message: Career in Space is not a distant dream, but a genuine possibility.
The students shared how initiatives such as Mission ShakthiSAT had already expanded their understanding of what they could achieve.
The meeting reinforced a simple but powerful idea: when young girls see women breaking barriers in science, they begin to imagine themselves doing the same.
From Space Science to Scientific Debate: The Next Chapter
The interaction also marked another significant milestone for AIMERS Foundation.
Ms Munro inaugurated the AIMERS National Science Debate, an initiative designed to encourage Australian students to develop critical thinking, scientific reasoning, public speaking and evidence-based argumentation.
The debate provides young people with an opportunity to engage with some of the most important scientific and ethical questions facing society.
The inaugural debate will explore: “Are Genetically Modified Foods Safe to Sell in Supermarkets?”
The topic will challenge students to examine scientific evidence, food safety, biotechnology, environmental sustainability and public perceptions of genetically modified organisms.For the students who recently participated in Mission ShakthiSAT, the debate represents a natural progression in their leadership journey.
Having experienced international collaboration through space science, they will now apply their knowledge and communication skills to complex scientific questions affecting everyday life.
The initiative reflects AIMERS Foundation’s broader vision of developing young people who are not only technologically capable but also confident communicators, critical thinkers and responsible future leaders.
Desi Australia wishes the AIMERS Foundation all success with their programs igniting Scientific curiosity.
To be part of AIMERS Foundation Programs, visit their website – www.aimersfoundation.org or email to : info@aimersfoundation.org
