Hritik Mitha is one of the thousands of South African youths with a passion for the sciences and a drive to make a change; opportunity for change and innovation comes in the form of the Expo for Young Scientists hosted by Eskom each year.
South Africa (28 August 2023) – South Africa is blessed to have some of the most inspiring scientific minds, and today we get to meet Hritik Mitha, an Astrophysics student at the University of Cape Town. Hritik shares how he made his start in the sciences thanks to a book filled with pictures of the planets, and what his ideas for the future are.
At the age of five, Hritik’s mother gave him a book that illustrated planets, comets, and asteroids along with many facts about them. It was this moment that embedded a fascination for the sciences and the universe as a whole. He draws his continued inspiration from subatomic particles to the largest of galaxies.
His fascination grew as a child and led him to study both astronomy and physics for a comprehensive understanding of the universe. Further to this, his drive to make a difference in science led him to participate in the Expo for Young Scientists, throughout high school.
The expo, which is hosted by Eskom, has been running for 42 years and is the leading way for young scientific minds to explore and develop their ideas from concept to prototype.
Each year, over 100,000 students from 35 regions take part in the Eskom Expo for Young Scientists, each with an embedded passion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The expo acts as a launchpad, giving curious minds the boost they need to reach for the stars and fuel the country’s future with innovation and intellectual prowess.
Every idea is welcome for exhibition. One never knows which innovation could lead to a change in social issues, technology, science, engineering and mathematics.
Hritik has been encouraged to push his limits in research and prototype development under the guidance of mentors and science directors. He believes in advancing science and technology to tackle pressing issues such as climate change and social injustice.
For him, leveraging our understanding of science, technology, and engineering is key to creating a more sustainable future for all. It is this passion that can change the future and it’s the brilliant minds of people like Hritik that will make it happen!
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