Patna: The Indian Institute of Technology Patna, in association with the U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO, organised the National Space Day 2026 celebration at its Main Auditorium on August 19.
The programme was supported by the Bihar Council of Science and Technology (BCST), Government of Bihar, and brought together more than 600 school students for sessions on India’s space programme, missions and emerging space technologies.
Programme Inaugurated At IIT Patna
The event was formally inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Prof. T. N. Singh, Director, IIT Patna; Dr. Senthil Kumar, Deputy Director, URSC; K. V. S. Bhaskar, Chairperson, Bihar National Science Day Organising Committee; and Prof. Naveen K. Nishchal, Head, Department of Physics, IIT Patna.
National Space Day is observed annually to commemorate the soft landing of the Vikram Lander of Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar South Pole on August 23, 2023.
Students Interact With ISRO Scientists
The celebration aimed to encourage curiosity about space science, exploration and emerging technologies among school students.
Participants attended technical sessions led by ISRO scientists and experts, covering India’s space programme, major space missions and developments in space technology. Students also took part in competitions and activities, including a Space Quiz, Extempore, Spot Painting and Memory Test.
Anuradha S. Prakash, Project Director, URSC, delivered a presentation on the growth and evolution of space science and technology in India.
Dr. Rishi Raj of IIT Patna proposed the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the inaugural session.
IIT Patna Team Supports Event
The programme was supported by Prof. Preetam Kumar, Dr. Ajay D. Thakur, Dr. Abhishek Raj, Dr. Ashwani Assam and Dr. Sandeep Ashish, along with the teams and other stakeholders associated with the event.
The organisers said the programme was intended to use National Space Day as an opportunity to encourage scientific curiosity and interest in space research among young students.
