A group of 13 meritorious students from Manipur has departed for Bengaluru to participate in the North East-Students Programme for Awareness, Reach, and Knowledge on Space (NE-SPARKS) 2025. The exposure programme is jointly organised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Shillong, along with the Planning Department and the Education Department (Schools) of Manipur.

Officials flag off delegation

The team of students was flagged off at Imphal airport by Additional Director of Education (Schools, Valley) Bisheshwar Khumukcham and Additional Director of Education (Schools, Hills) Dangmei Manglem. The delegation is accompanied by teacher co-ordinator Lisam Jiteshwari Devi, a lecturer from Ibotonsana Higher Secondary School in Imphal.

The selected students belong to the districts of Imphal West, Kakching, and Jiribam. Their participation recognises academic merit and aims to broaden their scientific outlook.

Programme highlights

The students will be in Bengaluru from August 27 to 30, where they will visit ISRO headquarters and other premier space facilities. They are scheduled to interact with senior scientists and gain insights into India’s advanced space research, satellite technology, and applications of space science in everyday life.

The NE-SPARKS initiative is designed to expose young learners from the Northeast to cutting-edge scientific developments, inspiring them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

Building scientific temperament

Education officials noted that the programme will give students rare access to India’s prestigious space agency and help them understand the significance of space technology in national development. By fostering early interest in science and innovation, the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of space scientists and technologists from the region.

Conclusion

With ISRO continuing to expand its global reputation in space exploration, the NE-SPARKS programme offers students from Manipur an opportunity to learn from the country’s best scientific minds and return with experiences that could shape their academic and professional journeys.