Pre-National Space Day event held in Wokha

DIMAPUR — As part of the nationwide build-up to National Space Day (NSpD), a pre-celebration event was held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha, jointly organised by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) and the Nagaland GIS and Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) under the Planning and Transformation department on July 29.

It may be noted that, to commemorate India’s historic Chandrayaan-3 lunar landing, the Government of India has declared August 23 as National Space Day.

According to a DIPR report, the Department of Space is spearheading nationwide celebrations, including pre-event programmes in schools, colleges, and scientific institutions to engage students and raise awareness about India’s space achievements.

In the Northeast, NESAC is coordinating activities across the eight states, with NGISRSC organising events in Nagaland.

The inaugural session was chaired by Nounesenuo S Iralu, while the welcome address was delivered by Mhathung Kithan, who emphasised the role of geospatial science in development.

A lecture titled "Satellite technology and applications – India in space" was delivered by Dr. BR Nagendra, Scientist-SG and Head of the Human Resource Development Division (HRDD), U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)–Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bengaluru. He outlined India’s growing space capabilities and their impact on national development.

Also read: Nagaland State Legal Services Authority summer internship programme culminates

Governor summons Nagaland Legislative Assembly session on September 2

The chief guest, Vineet Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, addressed the gathering and lauded the efforts of NESAC and NGISRSC for bringing space science awareness to the grassroots level. He appreciated their role in making space technology and the achievements of ISRO accessible and inspiring to the student community.

The technical session featured a quiz competition, a presentation on the societal impact of space technology by Nilay Nishant, and a drone demonstration by NGISRSC. Students also interacted with the scientists in a “Meet the Scientists” session.

The quiz competition saw Jyoti Kumari of Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha, clinch the 1st prize, followed by Eben L Tsopoe of Fernbrook School, Wokha, in 2nd place, and Mhayani Ngullie of Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School in 3rd place.

Consolation prizes were awarded to Eyingthung K Humtsoe (Fernbrook School), K Zuchanbeni Ovung (Government Higher Secondary School, Wokha), Eliseni C Yanthan (Perennial School), and Benchumo Tungoe (Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School).

Others who addressed the gathering included Dr. D Chutia from NESAC and Gwayhunle Tep, District Education Officer (DEO), Wokha. Altogether, 200 participants from 17 schools took part in the celebration.