The Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC) marked National Space Day with a vibrant celebration, honouring India’s remarkable achievement in space exploration through the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
The event was graced by the Minister for Science & Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, and attended by eminent space scientists, dignitaries, and enthusiastic school students.
The Government of India designated August 23 as National Space Day to celebrate the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s historic success, which achieved a soft landing of the Vikram Lander and deployed the Pragyaan rover near the Moon’s south pole. This milestone made India the fourth nation to land on the Moon and the first to explore its southern polar region, cementing its place among elite spacefaring nations.
The event at ORSAC revolved around the theme, “Aryabhatta to Gaganyaan: Ancient Wisdom to Infinite Possibilities,” sparking insightful discussions on India’s journey in space exploration. A highlight of the day was a quiz competition on space science for 9th-standard students from government schools in Bhubaneswar, with winners receiving prizes to encourage their curiosity.
The celebration began with a welcome address by Smt. Rashmita Panda, Chief Executive of ORSAC. Dr. Debadatta Swain, Associate Professor at IIT Bhubaneswar, delivered an inspiring speech as the chief speaker, highlighting the significance of National Space Day and India’s advancements in space technology. Minister Sri Krushna Chandra Patra planted a sapling on the ORSAC premises, symbolising growth and sustainability, and felicitated IIT Bhubaneswar faculty and students, alongside distributing prizes to quiz winners.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Smt. Sofi Sainika, Administration Officer of ORSAC, expressed gratitude to all participants for making the celebration a success.
This state-wide function at ORSAC not only commemorated India’s lunar triumph but also inspired young minds to dream big and contribute to the nation’s space ambitions.
