Being a round 2 candidate of Mars One may provide fleeting moments of fame (if that is not too strong a word) for some otherwise ordinary individuals. With the results of round 1 announced at the end of 2013, many newspapers and news channels all over the world interviewed a few round 2 candidates in their countries. Some candidates got coverage in long newspaper articles and /or TV interviews, while some got no coverage at all.
My position was in between these two extremes. While I was not featured in any interview broadcast on TV or presented in detail in a lengthy newspaper article, I did give brief telephonic or email interviews to journalists of some newspapers / magazines: The Wall Street Journal, The Telegraph, Mid-Day, and Sakal. of these, I was mentioned in articles in The Wall Street Journal and Sakal, and also in an article in HT Mint, though I did not get interviewed by that newspaper [they must have read the content on my online profile, and also this blog (!)]. A few people also said they saw my picture in a Mid-Day article. I tried searching on the internet, but could not find anything like it. Wish I could get a copy of the print!
The telephonic interviews went something like this:
Journalist: What do you do?
Me: I completed my bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Mumbai, and worked as an engineering intern for some time. I will soon start my masters degree in mechanical or aerospace or energy engineering.
Journalist: So, Sarthak, why Mars?
Me: Well, when I got to know about this program, I got really interested in it, as it offers an opportunity to make a significant contribution to the expansion of human civilization beyond Earth. It would be amazing to be one of the first few humans to set foot on another planet.
Journalist: But it is a one-way trip, so you would not return to Earth. How does that make you feel?
Me: It is daunting, but the excitement of exploring a new world and discovering new knowledge would be much greater than the disadvantage of not returning to Earth. If I am selected and this mission is successfully launched, I would definitely be happy.
Journalist: And how did your family members and friends react to all this?
Me: They were all quite happy, and even astonished, to know that I have cleared the first round. They, like me, are hoping for the best in the second round now.
Journalist: So how are you going to prepare for the second round? What are the requirements?
Me: The second round will consist of an interview. But before that, the selected candidates have to carry out certain medical tests and submit the final medical statement to Mars One. Once that is done, the interview will take place. As of now, we have not been informed about the interview details like when and where it will take place, or what kind of questions will be asked. But I think they will want candidates who have not only physical fitness, intelligence and knowledge, but also a lot of resilience and self-discipline. Regarding my preparation, there is not much special stuff to be done right now. I just have to maintain my physical fitness, and wait for further instructions.
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| Wall Street Journal blog. Date: 12 May 2014. Web URL: http://blogs.wsj.com/indiarealtime/2014/05/12/indians-a-step-closer-to-living-on-mars/ |
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| Article in HT Mint. Date: 17 September 2013 (it appeared before the Round 1 results were declared). I was not interviewed, but the journalist saw my Mars One profile and also this blog! Web URL: http://www.livemint.com/Specials/9Xzfvwq4DE85Ew05Ce5RbP/The-man-who-wants-a-oneway-ticket-to-Mars.html |
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| Article in Sakal (Marathi newspaper) about the 5 candidates in Maharashtra (western state in India) selected for round 2 of Mars One. As listed in the article's heading, the 5 candidates are: Abhimanyu, Zareen, Anil, Sarthak and Ashish. Date: 11 May 2014. |
So these were the interviews with journalists. Now, I am waiting for the big day: Round 2 interview with a mars One official!
Oh, and happy new year, everyone.
