Ms. Chaitalee Pravin, PGT Physics at Babaji Vidhyashram in Chennai, is a dedicated educator and researcher who has seamlessly integrated innovative methodologies into teaching, inspiring countless young minds to pursue science. With a robust academic foundation and an unwavering passion for physics and astrophysics, she has carved a unique path in science education.

Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. in Physics from MG Science Institute, Ahmedabad, followed by an M.Sc. in Physics from the Department of Physics, Electronics, and Space Sciences, Gujarat University. A pivotal moment in her career came during a summer school jointly organized by the Indian Institute of Sciences, Raman Research Institute, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore. There, under the mentorship of the eminent scientist Prof. C.V. Vishweshwara, she embarked on her first research project on rotating black holes, igniting a lifelong passion for astronomy and astrophysics. Returning to Ahmedabad, she pursued an M.Phil. in Astrophysical Plasma Physics, receiving special permission from Gujarat University to conduct her research at the Physical Research Laboratory. Guided by Dr. Nagesh Rao and later by Prof. A.C. Das, she not only completed her thesis but also gained invaluable life skills.

Their mentorship profoundly shaped her academic and professional outlook. Her professional journey began as a science educator at Vikram A. Sarabhai Community Science Centre, where she engaged in educational research and outreach programs. Inspired by Dr. Vikram Sarabhai’s vision of nurturing scientific curiosity, she contributed to several impactful initiatives such as teacher training programs, student orientation sessions, ISRO’s Space Education Cells, and the Science Express. Her foray into model rocketry became a turning point, as she recognized its potential to teach physics, chemistry, mathematics, and life skills. This realization fueled her resolve to propagate scientific knowledge inclusively. After relocating to Chennai, she initially joined the Hindustan Institute of Maritime Training but soon realized her passion lay in educating young minds. She transitioned to Babaji Vidhyashram, where she began experimenting with combining formal and non-formal educational methodologies. In 2022, she introduced model rocketry as a co-curricular activity for Grade 11 students, integrating it with the physics curriculum.

This initiative has evolved to include design thinking, where students design and test model rockets using software and fabricate them for practical analysis. By comparing hypothetical and experimental results, students gain hands-on research experience. Encouraged by the success, the activity has now become part of the Grade 12 curriculum as an investigatory project for their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination. Expanding her innovative teaching, she combined her passion for cricket with physics. Last year, she initiated a study on cricket pitches in terms of material science as part of investigatory projects. Collaborating with the physical education department, she incorporated sports into physics lessons, creating a dynamic learning environment. Throughout her journey, she credits three figures—Rahul Dravid, Albert Einstein, and Kishore Kumar—for teaching her tolerance, passion, and resilience. Their influence continues to guide her in both her professional and personal pursuits. Ms. Pravin’s philosophy of perseverance is reflected in her belief: “No dream is ever chased alone,” a sentiment she attributes to Rahul Dravid. Her dedication to innovative education and her ability to inspire students position her as a leading figure in physics education, paving the way for future generations to explore science with curiosity and confidence.

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