Celebration of National Space Day 2024

23/August/2024: Report on Celebration of National Space Day 2024

National Space Day 2024 Introduction

On 23rd August 2024, Sabarmati University celebrated its inaugural National Space Day, aligning with the nationwide recognition of India’s historic achievement in space exploration. The event commemorated the successful landing of the Vikram Lander and the deployment of the Pragyan Rover on the Moon as part of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission. This milestone, accomplished on 23rd August 2024, established India as the fourth country globally to achieve a lunar landing and the first to do so in the challenging terrain of the Moon’s southern polar region. The Government of India declared 23rd August as “National Space Day” to be observed annually in honor of this significant accomplishment.

Theme

The theme for this year’s National Space Day was “Touch of Life with the Touch of the Moon: Indian Space Story.” This theme underscored the profound impact that space exploration has on society and technology, emphasizing how India’s advancements in space are not only scientific feats but also catalysts for broader societal development.

Event Highlights at Sabarmati University

The Department of Social Sciences at Sabarmati University took a leading role in the celebrations, particularly through the active participation of University students. The students showcased their creativity and knowledge by creating thematic posters that were displayed during the event. The posters depicted various aspects of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission and India’s space exploration journey.

Student Contributions

1. Chandrayaan: Anindita Gohain, a student from the Bachelor of Arts (BA) program, created a detailed poster focusing on the Chandrayaan mission. Her work highlighted the journey of Chandrayaan from its conceptualization to its successful lunar landing, illustrating the technological marvels and challenges overcome by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

2. Launch Vehicles: Prerana Das, a student from the BA-B.Ed. integrated program, presented a poster on India’s launch vehicles. Her poster detailed the evolution of ISRO’s launch vehicles, from the early days of the SLV (Satellite Launch Vehicle) to the present-day GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), which played a pivotal role in the success of the Chandrayaan missions.

3. Chandrayaan on the Moon: Sudha Devi, another BA student, created a poster titled “Chandrayaan on the Moon.” This artwork vividly depicted the Vikram Lander’s descent, the deployment of the Pragyan Rover, and their exploration of the Moon’s southern pole, symbolizing India’s breakthrough in space exploration.

Support from ISRO

In support of this educational initiative, ISRO provided Sabarmati University with official posters of Chandrayaan, Launch Vehicles, and Indian Satellites. These resources not only enhanced the visual appeal of the event but also served as educational tools, enriching the students’ understanding of India’s space missions and their global significance.

Conclusion

The celebration of National Space Day at Sabarmati University managed by Dr. Ashish Upadhyay, Associate Professor, School of Social Sciences and Humanities, was a resounding success, reflecting the institution’s commitment to fostering a spirit of inquiry and innovation among its students. By engaging in creative and educational activities, the students honored the legacy of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission and contributed to the broader narrative of India’s space story. The event not only celebrated a historic achievement but also inspired a new generation of students to dream big and reach for the stars, just as India did with the Chandrayaan-3 Mission.

This celebration marked the beginning of a tradition at Sabarmati University, where National Space Day will be observed annually, continuing to inspire and educate future generations about the wonders of space exploration and India’s role in this exciting frontier.