Nagaland University participated in the nationwide celebration of the first National Space Day 2024, themed “Touching Lives While Touching the Moon: India’s Space Saga,” at Lumami. The event was organized by the Department of Physics at Nagaland University. Spearheaded by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Government of India, National Space Day aims to engage and inspire youth in the fields of space science and technology. Prof. M. S. Rawat, Dean of Sciences, highlighted the significance of the day, reflecting on Chandrayaan-3’s historic landing on the Moon’s surface on August 23, 2023.
Rawat also highlighted that this significant milestone prompted the government to designate August 23 as National Space Day. He emphasized how space science and technology have been crucial in India’s scientific advancements and global reputation, noting the pride and international recognition gained from ISRO’s progress.
He detailed India's remarkable journey from modest beginnings to becoming a leader in space technology, highlighting ongoing ISRO programs such as the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) for telecommunications and broadcasting, the Remote Sensing Programmes (IRS) for satellite imagery, and the development of indigenous spacecraft and launch vehicles. These initiatives play a crucial role in enhancing communications, conducting resource surveys, advancing space sciences, and contributing to national development.
Prof. M.K. Sinha, Vice-Chancellor (In-Charge), Nagaland University, praised ISRO’s decades of dedication, which culminated in the historic Chandrayaan-3 Moon landing. He highlighted the Indian space sector’s economic impact, noting its $9.6 billion valuation in 2020 and projected growth to $13 billion by 2025. “This growth will create jobs across various sectors, including technology, agriculture, and environmental management”, he said, expressing optimism for future advancements.
The program, chaired by PhD Scholar Peweu Marhu, began with a welcoming address by Prof. Y. Sundarayya, Head of the Department of Physics. He introduced National Space Day with explanations of space concepts and the Big Bang theory.
The event showcased videos highlighting India’s space programs and missions, including Chandrayaan-3, and concluded with a prize distribution for a week-long series of competitions such as model making, poster creation, essay writing, and drawing, which involved Nagaland University students as well as schoolchildren from JNV Zunheboto and KV NU Lumami. Dr. Shanta Singh Naorem, Assistant Professor of Physics, gave the vote of thanks. The event was attended by faculty, officers, administrative staff, research scholars, postgraduate students from Nagaland University, along with students and staff from Kendriya Vidyalaya NU Lumami and Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Zunheboto.
