“India’s space journey from Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan shows how ancient wisdom continues to guide modern innovation,” said Dr. N. Raghu Meitei, Associate Director of the Directorate of Technology Development and Innovation, ISRO Headquarters, addressing students during the 2nd National Space Day celebration in Imphal.
The event, held at Hotel Imphal and jointly organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC), and the Indian Institute of Information Technology (IIIT) Manipur, highlighted the theme “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities.” It aimed to inspire young minds and increase public awareness about the role of space science and technology in national progress, particularly in the context of the North Eastern region.
Participants included students, teachers, researchers, and delegates from various institutions. The celebration opened with interactive sessions, followed by a science exhibition featuring models and posters related to India’s space programmes. A quiz competition tested students’ knowledge of space exploration, while audio-visual presentations offered insights into ISRO’s pioneering missions.
In his keynote talk, Dr. Raghu Meitei elaborated on India’s lunar missions, including Chandrayaan initiatives, and emphasised how these achievements contribute to future crewed spaceflights under Gaganyaan. He stressed the importance of connecting scientific heritage with modern innovations to inspire the next generation of scientists.
M. Somorjit Singh, Head of GSD at NESAC, delivered a detailed presentation on the societal benefits of space-based applications, showcasing how satellite data supports disaster management, agriculture, and environmental monitoring in the North Eastern region.
The event concluded with an exhibition and student interactions with visiting scientists, offering participants first-hand exposure to career opportunities in space research and technology. Teachers and faculty present at the event praised the initiative, calling it an invaluable platform for students to explore science beyond textbooks.
