Neharika Gambhir has made history as the first Fijian analog astronaut in America, a role she sees as both an honor and a reminder that “the sky isn’t the limit if there are footprints on the moon.” The 26-year-old, who is originally from Suva, recently celebrated her remarkable achievement in the United States, which garnered her significant attention and congratulations from well-wishers, including Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.
Gambhir’s journey began at the tender age of five when raised by her grandparents, who nurtured her aspirations with supportive gifts related to aviation and space exploration. Her passion led her to migrate to the US in 2019, where she was warmly welcomed by her adopted family, who played a crucial role in her development and success.
Currently on the path to completing her Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Gambhir has also embarked on a career as a cybersecurity engineer. Her commitment to becoming an analog astronaut involved intensive training over six months, preparing her to face the unique challenges associated with simulating conditions similar to those in space.
In addition to her impressive academic and professional pursuits, Gambhir has taken on pilot training, which she believes is critical for the physical demands of space travel. She takes pride in representing Fiji on such a significant platform and aims to inspire future generations of Pacific Islanders to explore careers in STEM fields and space exploration.
Despite the successes, Gambhir has encountered hurdles, particularly concerning stereotypes and gender biases in the aviation field, where women represent a mere 4-6% of pilots globally. Yet, she consistently draws inspiration from the strong women in her family, who have defied odds and adversities.
Gambhir emphasizes maintaining physical and mental health during space missions as vital, along with adapting to the dietary conditions similar to those faced by astronauts. To stay focused and organized, she breaks down her goals into manageable tasks and utilizes productivity tools.
Her message for aspiring women is clear: “Be hungry for your dreams. Don’t let any circumstance or anyone discourage you.” Looking ahead, Gambhir plans to pursue a PhD in Computational Neurology and aims to study issues pertinent to women’s health in space. She also hopes to complete her astronaut training and participate in a commercial spaceflight.
A proud representative of her Fijian heritage, Gambhir sees her cultural values as foundational to her achievements, guiding her resilience and respect for the environment. She intends to return to Fiji for a well-deserved holiday in recognition of her efforts once she realizes her five-year goals.
Neharika Gambhir’s journey embodies determination and resilience, illuminating the path for those who dare to dream and showcasing the limitless possibilities available through hard work and ambition.
This inspiring story serves as a reminder that barriers can be broken and dreams can become reality, encouraging many to pursue their aspirations, no matter the odds.
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