In the quiet classrooms of Surajpur, a spark of curiosity is lighting up young minds. Hemlata Singh, a 10th-grade student from Government Higher Secondary School in Bhaiyathan, dreams of becoming an aerospace engineer like her idol, Kalpana Chawla. Her journey from a curious student in a rural school to a determined future space scientist began with the launch of the Antariksha Gyan Abhiyaan.
This 13-day Space Knowledge Campaign, supported by the Surajpur district administration and SECL Bishrampur through their CSR initiative, is transforming the lives of over 5,000 students across 38 government schools in the region. The IDYM Foundation provided crucial technical support for the initiative.
Inaugurated by Collector Rohit Vyas, the campaign aims to enrich the scientific understanding of students by covering a broad spectrum of topics. From the workings of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the marvels of India’s space missions like Chandrayaan, to the intricate details of planets, satellites, stars and the mechanics of rockets and telescopes, the Antariksha Gyan Abhiyaan is a comprehensive educational initiative. For many students like Hemlata, this program is their first significant exposure to advanced space technologies and it has ignited their aspirations to explore the unknown realms of space science.With her eyes sparkling, Hemlata shares, “I want to become an aerospace engineer like Kalpana Chawla. My interest lies in exploring the possibilities of life beyond Earth.” This newfound enthusiasm for space-related careers is echoed by her peers. Kajal Devangan, another student from the same school, expresses, “Through the Antariksha Gyan Abhiyaan, I learned about satellites and rockets. Understanding how satellites work and how rockets are used to launch them into space has deepened my curiosity. I aspire to work in this field and am grateful to Collector Sir Mr. Rohit Vyas for organizing this campaign.”The impact of the campaign extends beyond individual aspirations. Anju Sahu, an 11th-grade student from Government Higher Secondary School in Gangoti, expresses her passion for rocket science, saying, “The program provided valuable insights into space research equipment and the principles behind rocket speed. My goal is to build rockets and this initiative has further fueled my ambition.”
Collector Rohit Vyas emphasizes the transformative potential of the campaign, stating, “The future of science lies in space exploration. Observing celestial bodies and astronomical events sparks curiosity in young minds. The Antariksha Gyan Abhiyaan is designed to cultivate this curiosity and deepen students’ interest in space science. India is rapidly emerging as a major space power. Technological advancements in the space sector and satellite communication have resulted in a plethora of opportunities for our youth. It is imperative that we equip our youth with the necessary knowledge and skills so that they aspire to become innovators, astrophysicists, scientists, and astronauts. The campaign aims to ignite love and passion for space sciences among our students in Surajpur. The district administration has collaborated with SECL Bishrampur for initiating this campaign. This initiative is covering all the blocks of the predominantly tribal district. This 12-day campaign will cover all six blocks of the district and aims to engage around 3,500 students.”
The Antariksha Gyan Abhiyaan is not just an educational campaign; it is a movement that is instilling self-confidence and scientific awareness in students. By inspiring students to pursue careers in science and research, this initiative is paving the way for future advancements in space research and nurturing the next generation of space scientists in India. Hemlata Singh’s dream, shared by many of her peers, is a testament to the campaign’s success in changing lives and igniting the dreams of young minds.
