Lucknow, Aug 20 (INB) Senior ISRO scientists on Tuesday inspired students to pursue space research and innovation at a National Space Day celebration organised jointly by City Montessori School and ISTRAC/ISRO here, the school said. The event, held at the CMS Gomti Nagar Campus I Auditorium, saw participation of more than 500 students and teachers from various schools across Lucknow, besides senior ISTRAC/ISRO scientists, educationists and distinguished citizens, according to a statement issued by CMS on Tuesday. The programme commemorated India’s achievements in space exploration, with experts recalling the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission and discussing the country’s future space programmes. The event was inaugurated by M R Raghavendra, Director, ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru, who lit the ceremonial lamp. Prof Geeta Gandhi Kingdon, Managing Director, City Montessori School, attended as the Guest of Honour. Dr Senthil Kumar V, Chairman of the Organising Committee, URSC; Asif Siddiqui, Group Director, ISTRAC; M M Zaheer, Group Director, LASCC, ISTRAC, Lucknow; and Shankar Madaswamy, Division Head, HRLD, ISTRAC, were among those present, it stated. Addressing the gathering, Raghavendra recalled the successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 and outlined India’s ambitious plans for future space exploration, including the Gaganyaan mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station. He said ISRO’s journey began with a focus on addressing societal needs and has evolved into the development of advanced and cutting-edge space technologies. Raghavendra also highlighted the growing opportunities in India’s space sector following the opening of the sector to private participation. He encouraged students to think beyond conventional boundaries and contribute to India’s scientific and technological vision for 2047. Kingdon said the dedicated efforts of ISRO scientists and the contributions of young people have helped place India among the leading nations in space research. Referring to CMS alumnus Shubhanshu Shukla’s spaceflight, she said his achievement as an Indian citizen travelling to space had made the country proud and expressed hope that the programme would encourage students to take up scientific research, innovation and space exploration. Interactive sessions with senior ISTRAC/ISRO scientists were among the key highlights of the event. Students raised questions on space science, missions and research and received responses from the experts, it added. Students from various Lucknow schools also participated in quiz, drawing and model-making competitions, showcasing their scientific knowledge, creativity and innovative ideas.
