It was a date with the moon man Dr Annadurai -- the man behind the Chandrayaan mission, and students of a school in Chennai didn't miss the opportunity.

These students had some tough questions for Dr Annadurai -- won't extraction of helium damage the moon? How does the moon turn hot sometimes? But, Dr Annadurai impressed them all with his simple answers so much so that a handful of children were inspired to take up space science.

"I may be the next Kalpana Chawla, and even the Director of such a mission," said Nandini, a student of Maharishi Vidya Mandir.

The school faculty was also astonished by Dr Annadurai's visit.

"It's great to have such people coming to schools as they come down to the level of students," said G J Manohar, Headmaster, MCC Higher Secondary School.

But, by doing this, is Dr Annadurai becoming like Dr Kalam, interacting with students and inspiring them?

"Yes, no doubt, I'm following the footsteps of Dr Kalam and I'm proud of it," he said.

Just like Dr Kalam, Annadurai too wants young minds to dream big, not just the moon but India's mission to Mars and beyond. And that day may not be far if only more scientists like him brought science closer to our children.