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Outlook: Space and self-doubt: An astronomer's unusual route to the stars

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Space and self-doubt: An astronomer's unusual route to the stars

31/08/2022 GMT

BBC World Service - Outlook, Space and self-doubt: An astronomer's unusual route to the stars

Poonam Chandra studied in secret to become one of India’s leading young astrophysicists

Poonam Chandra grew up believing her role in life was to keep her future in-laws happy. She studied in secret to become one of India’s leading young astrophysicists.

In the northern Indian region where Poonam Chandra was raised, not much was expected of girls academically. She grew up believing she needed just enough education to make a good wife. But a talent and passion for maths drew Poonam away from the path her parents had planned for her, towards the pursuit of astrophysics. She studied in secret, going to extraordinary and dangerous lengths to take the exams which would lead her to a PhD. But when she was finally accepted onto a doctorate, things did not go to plan. She has since gone on to become one of India’s leading young scientists, although she still wrestles with self-doubt and imposter syndrome today.

After experiencing a series of misfortunes, writer Maria Konnikova wanted to learn more about the role that luck, skill and chance play in people's lives. So she decided to learn how to play poker and became a highly-rated champion in a little over a year. This interview was first broadcast in 2020.

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Presenter: Andrea Kennedy

(Photo: Woman with telescope watching the stars. Credit: Getty Images)

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