Galgotias University Hosts “Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition” in Collaboration with ISRO

A three-day exhibition named “Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition” is being held from August 1 to 3, 2024, at Galgotias University in collaboration with the Indian Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, as per the initiative of the Prime Minister to celebrate “National Space Day.”

The inauguration ceremony’s chief guest, Director of the Space Applications Centre (SAC)/ISRO Ahmedabad, Nilesh M Desai, addressed the students online, congratulating Galgotias University for establishing a great institution in the northern part of the country.

He spoke about NASA and mentioned that after Chandrayaan-3, people have started recognizing ISRO, which is a matter of great pride for all of us. He further elaborated that the Space Applications Centre (SAC), although not very well known, is the second largest center after ISRO. This center is a multi-disciplinary hub that develops various payloads and sensor equipment, which are the heart and brain of satellites, and produces the final products at the SAC, AMD. The entire space program originates from AMD, and ISRO is more inspired by the applications developed at the Space Applications Centre.
He emphasized that missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan represent only 20% of the activities at the Space Applications Centre. The remaining 80% involves educating and sensitizing students and faculty, which is why such grand exhibitions are organized. Space activities are conducted both at ISRO and the Space Applications Centre.

He announced that a grand event would be organized at Bharat Mandapam on August 23, 2024, to celebrate various achievements of ISRO as per the Prime Minister’s initiative.

Concluding his address, he quoted Benjamin Franklin, “Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.” This exhibition aims to engage and enroll students in learning. Desai’s pioneering work in space applications has a profound impact on the field and inspires countless individuals.

Senior Scientist and President of the Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition, Paresh Sarvaiya, while speaking to journalists, said that the objective of this three-day exhibition is to educate school students in detail about science and technology. Speaking about the benefits for the youth, he mentioned that the projects and missions completed so far will be taken forward by the upcoming generation. Encouraging students, he said, “Work so quietly that your success makes noise.”

SAC-ISRO scientist Shivangi Jaiswal said that during this three-day exhibition, they would teach children how ISRO works. It is a golden opportunity for students to learn.

Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias University, extended his best wishes, stating that today is significant as we embark on an exciting field of space science and technology, represented by our esteemed guests, the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). He added that in an era where space exploration and technological advancement have become crucial in shaping our future, today’s event is a beacon of inspiration and knowledge. It brings forward the indomitable spirit of human curiosity to explore the unknown and expand the horizons of our understanding.

On the first day, hundreds of students from various schools participated in the exhibition. The Water Rocket Launching event was a major attraction for the children. They clapped and enjoyed when the rocket was launched into the sky. The students shared that the exhibition profoundly impacted their minds, inspiring them to pursue something new in the field of science and technology to make our nation proud globally.