O N KOUL
India is all set to celebrate National Space Day today on 23rd August 2024.It was exactly on the same day on August 23rd 2023 that India created history as Chandrayaan 3 accomplished the safe and soft landing of Vikram Lander on the lunar surface. India became the fourth country in the world to land on the moon and the very first country to land near the southern polar region of the moon .The union government has declared 23rd August as “National Space Day” to celebrate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan -3 Mission, which accomplished the significant space feat by safe and soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployed the Pragyaan rover on the lunar surface near south pole.
This achievement is being celebrated across the country with the goal of engaging and inspiring the younger generation in the field of Space Science and Technology.
Thus to commemorate this historical achievement ,the Department of Fisheries -DOF ,Government of India -GOI ,is organizing a series of seminars and demonstrations, to create awareness about the Application of Space Technologies in the Fisheries Sector.
The events are being organized in collaboration with various coastal States and Union Territories’ ,ISRO and DOF field officers .Earlier ,the notification issued by the Department of Space said India became the first country to land near south pole of the moon with success of the Chandrayaan -3 Mission .”With the success of the Chandryaan-3 Mission on August 23,2023 ,with the landing of the Vikram Lander and deployment of the Pragyaan Rover on the lunar surface ,India joined an elite group of Space faring nations becoming the fourth country to land on the moon and the first nation to land near to South pole of the moon said the notification .”The outcome of this historic mission will benefit mankind in the years to come .This day marks an important milestone in the country’s advancements in space missions ,and it will inspire younger generation towards enhanced interest in pursuing STEM and will provide a major impetus to the space sector .The government of India has done right to have declared August 23 of every year as ‘National Space Day ‘to commemorate this historical moment .Thus the celebration of the National Space Day will actually become an annual celebration day revisiting the 23rd August and making resolution ,introspection and reflection with the aim of encouraging young space scientists and technologists so that the country is able to further enhance and enrich space research and technology for the service of the humanity .It was Prime Minister Narendra Modi -led central government which officially declared August 23 as the National Space Day ,honoring the success of the Chandryaan-3 mission .India is celebrating its first National Space Day on August 23,with multiple pan-India events as part of the month -long campaign .While recognizing significant achievements in space exploration ,this day highlights several advancements in space technology .National Space Day is dedicated to inspiring future generations by generating their interest in space science and technology .Also ,it enhances public awareness regarding the importance and benefits of space exploration ,while promoting national pride and unity .It is in the fitness of things to through light on how National Space Day is celebrated today that is 23rd August 2024.Now this day will be observed and celebrated annually to not only mark and commemorate and remember the day but on this occasion ,we should make introspection ,reflection and resolve to encourage the young generation to further explore and make research in the important field of space science and technology and see how the space science will benefit the mankind. To mark and celebrate the occasion ,the centre has announced a month-long campaign ,highlighting the remarkable achievements of India’s space missions and at the same time inspiring the country’s youth and encouraging them to further explore and undertake more productive research in space science and technology for the betterment of the mankind .The theme for the first National Space Day is ‘Touching Lives while Touching the Moon ,India’s Space Saga .It emphasizes the profound impact of space exploration on society and technology .To commemorate and celebrate the National Space Day a mega event is taking place at the Bharat Mandapam in the national capital to mark the occasion .As part of the celebrations ,a series of high -profile sessions ,panel discussions as well as vibrant cultural programmes and significant announcements will be made. The Space Day -2024 event will commence with a VVIP tour of the space exhibits and demonstrations from various ministries ,industries ,startups ,academia ,and DOS .Also ,the winners of the ISRO Robotics challenge and Hackathon will be announced. The Space on Wheels event will be demonstrated and this event highlights the capabilities of ISRO in deploying rockets and satellites ,as well as their applications ,demonstrating the country’s commitment towards scientific development .The initiative travels to schools and various public places to engage a wide range of audiences across all age groups to educate them about space science and technology .It showcases detailed models of the first two launch pads ,showing the Chandrayaan -1 mission and the Indian Mars Orbiter Mission -Mangalyaan ,among others. ISRO Space Tutors will also be organized to through light on the significance of the day .A total of 120 registered Space Tutors of the ISRO are organizing outreach events like talks ,quizzes ,and exhibitions at various places in the country to promote space education and raise awareness among the masses about space activities .Bharthiya Antariksh Hackathon is yet another one -of -a -kind initiative by ISRO ,the national -level hackathon presents students with various problem statements and encourages them to develop creative solutions .The teams for the same are shortlisted depending on the responses to compete in the finale at selected centers .In the finale ,the exceptional students will be provided internship at ISRO centres ,while the top three hackathon winners will get a chance to showcase their applications during the National Space Day celebrations on 23 August .Apart from these ,the ISRO Robotics Challenge 2024 was launched in November last year ,with an extended period for registration and proposal submissions .As part of it ,students were given a chance to get involved in space robotics .The competition featured live demonstrations ,while 10 teams advanced to the Field Round .After an Operation Readiness Review ,the main competition was held on August 5 and 6,with the awards ceremony slated for August 23.National Space Day will be celebrated on August 23 in schools of MP .On this occasion ,programmes will be organized on a large scale in all the schools .On the instructions of CM Mohan Yadav ,conferences ,workshops ,and exhibitions centered on space science will be organized in schools and teaching-training institutes on 22 and 23 August in the state .Taking a cue from Madhya Pradesh ,other states and UT’s should also organize conferences ,seminars, workshops and exhibitions in schools and teacher training institutes so that science temper is developed among students in space science and technology .
Let us celebrate the National Space Day in a befitting manner to inspire and encourage youth to work in space exploration so that young space explorers will be developed who will focus on space research .This day should be celebrated with dedication towards the grooming young talent which in due course of time will give the nation space scientists and technologists.
(The author is a retired education officer & columnist)
