Bengaluru: Students take part in space-themed events
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium marked National Space Day on Saturday with a series of activities aimed at inspiring young minds and celebrating India’s recent space milestones.
The event opened with an inaugural session where B R Guruprasad, Director of the Planetarium, spoke about the importance of observing National Space Day. B N Ramakrishna, former Director of ISTRAC and now Professor at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), delivered the keynote address. He explained the challenges of carrying out a mission as complex as Chandrayaan-3 and the skill and teamwork required for its success.
This was followed by a special lecture by Guruprasad on “The Significance of Chandrayaan’s Success.”
Competitions spark curiosity
To make the day interactive, the planetarium organised five competitions for students:
- Painting contest on the theme “Indians on the Moon”
- Aryabhata paper model making
- Pick-and-speak contest
- Space quiz
- Jigsaw puzzle challenge
Around 300 students participated, showcasing creativity, quick thinking, and enthusiasm for space science.
Inspiring the next generation
The event not only celebrated India’s growing space achievements but also underlined the role of education and outreach in shaping the country’s future scientists and engineers.
Planetarium officials said such initiatives aim to encourage students to take a deeper interest in astronomy, space technology, and India’s space exploration journey.
Conclusion
With inspiring talks and hands-on competitions, Bengaluru’s National Space Day celebrations at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium brought together experts, educators, and students, reinforcing the city’s role as a hub of science and innovation.