North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Umiam organised the National Space Day Celebration, Meghalaya at Nongpoh Ri Bhoi. The programme was held at the District Library Hall, Nongpoh under the theme “Touching people’s lives by touching the Moon” in the presence of Dr. Joram Beda(IAS), Commissioner and Secretary, Planning Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development Department, Govt. of Meghalaya as the Chief Guest, besides Shri Abhilash Bharanwal(IAS), DeputyCommisioner, Ri-Bhoi District and Dr. S. P Aggarwal, Director NESAC. The programme was attended by more than 475 students and other invitees. In the Inaugural Session, Director, NESAC welcomed all the dignitaries and participants to the programme. He recounted that August 23 has been declared National Space Day as proclaimed by the Prime Minister of India. This was done to recognize the significant milestone achieved by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in successfully landing Chandrayaan -3 on the south pole of the moon. To commemorate this day, he informed that a month-long program will be organized in every state of the country. He also mentioned that NESAC has been given the responsibility by ISRO to conduct events in all eight states of the North East & West Bengal. In his speech, he said that Meghalaya is the first state in the country to conduct this programme. Dr Joram Beda congratulated NESAC for organising the event and suggested that such events should be taken in full earnest to inspire young generations.He recalled India’s great achievement in Space Explorations. He said that India has found its place among the leaders in space technology after landing a probe on the south pole of the moon, a challenge that even countries like the USA and Russia have found difficult.He also mentioned about ISRO’s Solar Probe mission Aditya-L1..He encouraged students to seize this opportunity to learn more about space.
Welcome Address by Dr. S.P. agarwal, Director, NESAC
Address by Chief Guest, Dr. Joram Beda, IAS Commissioner and Secretary, Planning Investment Promotion and Sustainable Development, Department, Govt. of Meghalaya
In the second session, there were two lectures. The lecture on the Indian Space Programme with special emphasis on the moon mission was delivered by Shri K.C. Bhattacharya, former Director of NESAC. A talk on Space Applications for Societal Benefit was by Dr. Jenita M. Nongkynrih, Head Urban and Regional Planning Division NESAC. In the afternoon session, a quiz competition was conducted for students from various schools. Five schools represented by two students each were selected after the qualifying rounds. In the quiz, there were four rounds and the winning team was Army Public School, Umroi. An interaction meeting with the scientists was arranged where students enquired more about space-related issues. During the wholeprogram, the exhibitions were displayed and also there was a showcasing of the ‘Space on Wheels’. Students were able to attend the attended to these exhibitions and displays inside the bus which provided insights into ISRO’s prowess in the space sector, featuring models of different rockets, satellites and other space activities.
Students interacting with the Scientists
Students visiting the Space on Wheels
The program came to a conclusion through a valedictory session chaired by Dr K. K Sarma, Group Head, RSAG, NESAC in the presence of Shri KC Bhattacharyya, Former Director, NESAC and NESAC scientists.