A pre-celebration of National Space Day (NSpD) was held at Tiyi Hall, Wokha on 29th July 2025, jointly organized by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) and the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) under the Planning & Transformation Department.
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. 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, the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) is coordinating activities across the eight states, with the Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Centre (NGISRSC) organizing events in Nagaland.
The inaugural session was chaired by Nounesenuo S. Iralu while the welcome address was delivered by Er. Mhathung Kithan, who emphasized the role of geospatial science in development.
A keynote lecture titled "Satellite Technology and Applications – India in Space" was delivered by Dr. B. R. Nagendra, Scientist-SG and Head, Human Resource Development Division (HRDD), URSC–ISRO, Bengaluru. He outlined India’s growing space capabilities and their impact on national development.
The Chief Guest, Vineet Kumar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, addressed the gathering and lauded the efforts of NESAC and NGISRSC for bringing space science awareness to the grassroot 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 MhayaniNgullie 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), Eliseni C. Yanthan (Perennial School), and BenchumoTungoe (Isaiah Ability Higher Secondary School).
The event was part of the nationwide NSpD celebrations led by the Department of Space, Government of India, with NESAC coordinating efforts in the Northeast and NGISRSC spearheading activities in Nagaland.
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.
(DIPR)
