CSIR-CDRI and ISRO-ISTRAC Celebrate National Space Day 2025 to Ignite Scientific Curiosity Among Youth
LUCKNOW: The CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute (CSIR-CDRI), in collaboration with ISRO’s Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), hosted a vibrant celebration of National Space Day 2025 (NSpD-2025) today in Lucknow. Themed “From Aryabhata to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities,” the event drew over 500 students from more than 30 schools, alongside prominent scientists, educators, and dignitaries, to honor India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration.
The program began with a ceremonial lamp-lighting and an invocation, setting an inspiring tone for the day. Shri Asif Siddiqui, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, delivered a warm welcome address, outlining the event’s objectives. The presence of Chief Guest Shri T.S. Ganesh, Deputy Director, ISTRAC, Bengaluru, added significant prestige to the occasion.
The distinguished Guests of Honour included Shri Jaishankar Srivastava, Associate Director of Secondary Education, Uttar Pradesh; Dr. Saman Habib, Chief Scientist, CSIR-CDRI; and Smt. Rupa M.V., Group Director, ISTRAC, Bengaluru. In their addresses, they emphasized the need to foster scientific curiosity and innovation among young minds while celebrating India’s growing prominence in global space research.
A key highlight was an inspiring lecture by Smt. Rupa M.V., a project director for Chandrayaan-3, titled “Glimpses of Chandrayaan-3 Success Story.” She shared insights into the mission’s achievements, captivating the audience. This was followed by a Presidential Address and Guest Lecture by Shri T.S. Ganesh, who highlighted India’s ambitious space endeavors, including the Chandrayaan missions and the upcoming Gaganyaan program, underscoring the vast opportunities in space exploration.
A special interactive session allowed students to engage directly with the dignitaries. Shri T.S. Ganesh, Dr. Saman Habib, and Smt. Rupa M.V. patiently answered questions on Chandrayaan-3, Gaganyaan, career prospects in space science, and the value of curiosity-driven research, motivating students to dream big and explore new frontiers.
The event also featured a student model exhibition, showcasing the creativity and innovative thinking of young participants in space science. The afternoon session included screenings of films related to National Space Day, a space-themed quiz, and a drawing competition, which sparked tremendous enthusiasm among the schoolchildren. The day concluded with a valedictory ceremony and prize distribution.
The dignitaries concluded the event with a formal vote of thanks, expressing that National Space Day is not just a celebration of India’s past achievements but also a call to inspire future generations to innovate and contribute to the nation’s space ambitions.
Science (Craft/Model Making) Competition – Winners
I. Prize THS International School Bluetooth Controlled Laser Defence System Devansh Singh (8th), Aaradhya Pathak (8th), Saru Joshi (8A)
II Prize SR Global School, BKT, Lucknow Chandrayaan-3 (Rocket Launcher Concept) Prakhar Singh (XII), Priyanshi Singh (XII)
III. Prize CMS-IDA, Branch Kanpur Road, Lko Mini Mars Rover Aaradaya Singh (IX), Gaurang Dubey (XI)
IV Prize PM Shri KV, Gomtinagar, Lucknow Piezoelectric Power Generator Aishwary Singh (XII-A), Shaurya Pal (XII-B), Saksham Pandey (XII-A)
V Prize GIC Narihi Chandrayaan-3 Lander Rover Suryanshi Bhargava, Nishu Sahu (XII), Komal Awasthi
Quiz Winners
S.no. School Name Members
1 CMS Aliganj – 1 Rishti Singh, Abay Gupta and Arnav K. Singh
2 City Montessori School, Station Road Adarsh Kanoujia, Rishi Kumar Pal and Suryanshu Vaish
3 La Martiniere Girls’ College Gauri Tiwari, Jyotika Mincha, and Kashia Tandon
Drawing Competition
S.No. Name School Class
1 Trisha Pareekh La Martiniere Girls College, Lucknow Class 12
2 Mahak Kulhara Seth M.R. Jaipuria School, Kanpur Road, Lucknow Class 12
3 Arva Nigam Indus Valley Public School, Lucknow Class 11
4 Stuti Sahu City Montessori School, Station Road, Lucknow Class 11
5 Shubhit Singh P.M. Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Aliganj, Lucknow Class 11
6 Atharv Giri CMS Aliganj, Lucknow Class 8
7 Asees Malhotra G.H.S Khantari Class 9
8 Shivani La Martiniere Girls College, Lucknow Class 10
9 Shiva Yadav CMS Station Road, Lucknow Class 9
10 Tanishkaa CMS Rajajipuram, Lucknow Class 10
