13/08/2026
Delhi Public School Ranchi, in association with the Regional Remote Sensing Centre-East, ISRO, Kolkata, organised a special celebration of the 3rd National Space Day on August 13, ahead of the official observance on August 23. The programme was graced by Prof. (Dr.) Gopal Pathak, Director General, Sarla Birla University, Ranchi, as the Chief Guest. The interactive session featured eminent speakers from ISRO, including, Dr. Arindam Guha, Deputy General Manager, RRSC-East; Dr. Tanumi Kumar, Head, Applications, RRSC-East, Dr. Prabir Kumar Das, Senior Scientist, RRSC-East, Shri Kotti Venkata Sudhakar, Division Head, Software Systems Quality Assurance Division (SSQAD), NRSC; and Mr. Niladri Das, Scientist - SC, RRSC - East. Around 300 students from Delhi Public School, Ranchi, Guru Nanak Higher Secondary School, Ranchi and Vivekananda Vidya Mandir, Ranchi participated in the programme, which comprised an interactive session, space exhibition and quiz competition.
The programme commenced with the presentation of saplings and mementoes by the Honourable Principal, Dr. Jaya Chauhan, to the Chief Guest, Special Guest and the revered speakers. This was followed by the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by all the dignitaries, marking the auspicious beginning of the celebration.
In her welcome address, the Honourable Principal Dr. Jaya Chauhan extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests, scientists, speakers, teachers and students. She highlighted the significance of National Space Day as a celebration of India’s remarkable achievements in space science and technology. She emphasised that the success of Chandrayaan-3 symbolises perseverance, innovation, scientific temper and teamwork. She encouraged students to remain curious, ask questions and look beyond the boundaries of textbooks, stressing that India’s future space missions would be shaped by the aspirations and innovations of today’s young learners. She expressed her gratitude to ISRO and the Regional Remote Sensing Centre-East for providing students with an opportunity to interact with eminent scientists and gain meaningful insights into India’s space journey.
The Interactive Session began with Dr. Prabir Kumar Das, Senior Scientist, RRSC-East, who provided the background and context of the programme. He spoke about the significance of National Space Day and the evolution of India’s space programme, explaining how space technology has become an integral part of everyday life. He highlighted the role of remote sensing and satellite-based technologies in agriculture, disaster management, environmental monitoring, urban planning, natural resource management and several other developmental activities. He encouraged students to cultivate scientific curiosity and explore the immense possibilities offered by the space sector.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Gopal Pathak, Director General, Sarla Birla University, Ranchi, appreciated the initiative of DPS Ranchi and RRSC-East in bringing space science closer to young learners. He highlighted the transformative role of science and technology in nation-building and encouraged students to nurture curiosity, innovation and a problem-solving mindset. He said that India’s achievements in space demonstrate what can be accomplished through vision, perseverance, indigenous capabilities and collective effort. He urged the students to dream big and actively contribute to the nation’s journey towards becoming a technologically advanced and knowledge-driven society.
Following the addresses by the revered guests, Dr. Arindam Guha, Deputy General Manager, RRSC-East, shared his insights on “ISRO’s Moon Odyssey.” He took students through India’s remarkable lunar exploration journey and highlighted the milestones achieved through the Chandrayaan missions. He explained how successive missions have contributed to enhancing India’s understanding of the Moon while strengthening the country’s technological capabilities. His presentation gave students an engaging perspective on the challenges of lunar exploration, the scientific objectives of the missions and the perseverance required to accomplish complex space missions.
Sri Kotti Venkata Sudhakar, Division Head, Software Systems Quality Assurance Division (SSQAD), NRSC, shared his insights on Satellite Data Acquisition. He explained how satellite systems capture valuable information from space and how such data is received, processed and utilised for scientific and developmental applications. His session helped students understand the importance of reliable satellite data in studying the Earth and supporting various sectors.
Thereafter, Dr. Tanumi Kumar, Head, Applications, RRSC-East, spoke on “ISRO Outreach and Career Opportunities.” She acquainted students with the diverse opportunities available in the space sector and highlighted the importance of strong foundations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. She encouraged students to explore emerging career pathways associated with space science, remote sensing, satellite technology, data analysis and other specialised fields.
The Interactive Session was followed by a Space Exhibition and Interaction, where students explored space-related displays and interacted with experts. The exhibition offered a stimulating learning experience and enabled the participants to gain a deeper understanding of space technology and its applications.
The programme further witnessed an enthusiastic Quiz Competition conducted by the Quizmaster, Shri. Niladri Das. In the quiz competition, the students demonstrated their knowledge of space science, ISRO missions and India’s achievements in space exploration. DPS Ranchi emerged victorious, securing the First Prize, while the host institution also bagged the Second Prize, followed by Vivekananda Vidya Mandir, Ranchi, which clinched the Third Prize.
The programme culminated with a Vote of Thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, scientists, participating schools, teachers and students for making the celebration meaningful and successful.
