National Space Day 2025 Celebrated in Sikkim with Enthusiasm and Scientific Spirit
Gangtok, July 17:
The National Space Day 2025 was commemorated today through a day-long event jointly organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology, Department of Information Technology- Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology (SMIT).
The event was graced by Dr. G.K. Prabhu, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University, as the Chief Guest. Other distinguished dignitaries included Shri D.G. Shrestha, Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim; Dr. G.L. Sharma, Director, SMIT; Smt. H. Suchitra Devi, Scientist/Engineer-SF, NESAC; and Shri Senthil Kumar G, Scientist/Engineer-SF, URSC, ISRO. The programme saw participation from SMIT faculty, and enthusiastic students and teachers from 16 Government Secondary and Senior Secondary Schools across Sikkim.
The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a welcome address from Dr. G.L. Sharma, who highlighted the relevance of space technology in everyday life. Smt. H. Suchitra Devi introduced the background of National Space Day and emphasized ISRO's accomplishments, especially the success of Chandrayaan-3. A special recorded video message from the Hon’ble Prime Minister on the Chandrayaan mission was also screened.
In his address, Shri D.G. Shrestha spoke on the transformative role of geospatial and satellite-based technologies in natural resource management. He acknowledged the pivotal role of NESAC in implementing remote sensing-based developmental projects across the Northeast and encouraged students to consider careers in space sciences.
Dr. G.K. Prabhu, in his remarks, underscored how space technology continues to serve societal needs and lauded the achievements of India’s scientific community, particularly the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The inaugural session vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Prativa Rai, Asst. Scientific Officer, Science and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim. During the technical session, Shri Senthil Kumar G delivered an insightful presentation on India’s lunar journey, with a focus on Chandrayaan-3, and discussed upcoming missions—Chandrayaan-4 and 5—aimed at advancing lunar science.
Dr. N.P. Sharma, Scientific Officer, presented an overview of space-based initiatives by the Government of Sikkim, including applications in forest monitoring, glacial lake assessments, and land use studies.
The highlight of the day was an engaging Space-themed Quiz Competition. The team Curiosity from the Department of Management studies, SMIT conducted the Quiz competition. From the 16 participating schools, six—Sang Government Senior Secondary School, Duga Government Secondary School, Rangpo Government Senior Secondary School, PM SHRI Senior Secondary School Singtam, Sonamati Government Senior Secondary School Khamdong, and Samdong Government Senior Secondary School —advanced to the final round. The team from PM SHRI Senior Secondary School, Singtam emerged as the winner followed by 2nd and 3rd runner up as Duga Secondary school and Sonamati Government Senior Secondary School Khamdong, respectively.
The event concluded with a valedictory session, where certificates and mementos were awarded to winners and participants. The vote of thanks was delivered by Mrs. Prerna Pradhan, Senior Research Assistant, Science and Technology Department, Government of Sikkim.