New Delhi : Space activities have garnered significant interest among people across the country. Creating awareness and encouraging the adoption of space technologies can have a significant impact on the social and economic life of a common man. Space-based applications in areas such as agriculture, disaster management, weather forecasting, communication, navigation, and remote sensing contribute to improved livelihoods, better resource management, and enhanced connectivity, thereby fostering overall national development.
ISRO regularly organizes various outreach programs for students and the general public to create awareness and share its success stories.
Various outreach initiatives include exhibitions, lectures, student workshops, online courses, and special programs such as the “Young Scientist Programme (YUVIKA)” and “Space on Wheels.” ISRO jointly with educational institutions, conducts webinars, and engages with people through social media and televised events to inspire interest in space science and technology.
The success of Chandrayaan missions has significantly energized and enthused the student community across the country. The achievements of India’s lunar exploration programs have sparked immense curiosity and interest among students in space science and astronomy.
The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has launched several educational outreach programs across various states, including Uttar Pradesh, to inspire and train students in space science and technology. Notable initiatives include YUVIKA, which saw over 700 student registrations for the 2024 edition and more than 800 registrations in 2023 from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Through Space Tutors registered in Uttar Pradesh, ISRO has engaged with over 5,000 students. Additionally, the Space on Wheels bus has reached approximately 10,000 students and members of the general public in Uttar Pradesh.
The details and eligibility criteria for ISRO’s various educational programs:
- Yuva Vigyani Karyakram (YUVIKA – Young Scientist Programme)
- Details: Targeted to 9th class passed out students. This residential programme provides basic knowledge of space science, technology, and applications through hands-on sessions, expert talks, and facility visits.
- Eligibility:
· Open to students studying in Class 9 (as of January 1 of the selection year).
· Selection is based on academic performance, participation in science fairs, Olympiads, and extracurricular activities.
- Space Tutor
- Details: ISRO identifies interested educational institutions, NGO’s/ STEM Educators to promote space science awareness among students through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops.
- Eligibility:
· Open to schools, colleges, and universities interested in registering with ISRO as Space Tutor.
· Students of all age groups can attend awareness sessions.
- Space on Wheels:
- Details: Mobile exhibition bus equipped with space theme based exhibits.
- Eligibility:
· Space on wheels will be parked in educational institutions to facilitate the visit of students & public in their vicinity.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.