Government of India has been observing National Space Day (NSpD) since 2024 to mark the historic landing of Chandrayaan-3 and the Pragyan Rover near the Moon’s South Pole on 23rd August 2023.
In this regard, the Sikkim State Council of Science & Technology (SSCS&T), under the Science & Technology Department, Government of Sikkim, in coordination with the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), organised the 3rd National Space Day, 2026 on 12th August 2026, at PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School, Namchi, Sikkim.
The programme was attended by around 250 students and teachers from 15 schools in Namchi and Gyalshing district. It gave the participants an opportunity to learn about India’s space programme and the use of space technology in everyday life, science, climate studies and disaster management. The programme also highlighted how space technology is used in disaster management, communication, flood and landslide mapping, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) mapping.
The programme was attended by G.P. Sharma, Chief Education Officer, Namchi, as the Chief Guest; Prof (Dr.) Bhakta Kunwar Professor of Physics and currently Principal, Sanchaman Limboo Government College Aarigaon Gyalshing Sikkim; Bandana Rai, Principal, PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School, Namchi, as the Guest of Honour; and Marmit Lepcha, Divisional Forest Officer, Namchi, as the Special Guest. Representing the space sector, Dr. Suchitra D, Scientist F, NESAC, and Ashwin G.S., Senior Space Scientist, ISRO, participated in the programme. Officials from the Science & Technology Department, including Dr. Suman Thapa, Director, and Dr. N.P. Sharma, Scientific Officer, along with other officials of the Department, were also present.
Madam Suchitra D, Scientist F, NESAC, welcomed the gathering and spoke about the origin and significance of the celebration of National Space Day. Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest G.P. Sharma highlighted the significance of National Space Day and encouraged students to draw inspiration from India’s achievements in space science. He urged the students to actively participate in the quiz competition organised as part of the programme.
Resource Person Prof. Dr. Bhakta Kunwar spoke on the journey of India’s space revolution and highlighted the contributions of pioneering Indian scientists. He discussed the history of space exploration and satellites and encouraged students to work hard and make use of the wide range of opportunities emerging in the field of science and technology.
Guest of Honour Bandana Rai spoke about the increasing role of space technology in everyday life, citing applications such as GPS as examples. She encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity to learn from eminent experts and scientists associated with ISRO and the space sector. Giving an overview of the work of the Science & Technology Department, Dr. Suman Thapa, Director, introduced the Department, its various divisions, functions and key achievements.
Dr. N.P. Sharma, Scientific Officer, highlighted different projects undertaken by the Department and its achievements in the application of space technology. He also spoke about projects related to climate change and the Department’s studies following the 2023 GLOF including efforts to identify and study vulnerable glacial lakes in Sikkim. He further outlined upcoming projects and initiatives of the Department. A major highlight of the programme was a quiz competition for students, designed to promote interest and awareness in space science and technology. The competition was conducted by Dr. Bibeth Sharma, HoD, MBA, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Technology, as the Quiz Master.
Students participated enthusiastically, with prizes and certificates awarded to encourage their engagement and interest in science. Students from participating schools took part enthusiastically, with Pelling Senior Secondary School securing the first position, PM Shri Girls Senior Secondary School, Namchi securing the second position and Tashiding Senior Secondary School securing the third position. Winners were awarded prize money, certificates and medal for their performance.
The programme provided a valuable platform for students and teachers to interact with scientists, educators and officials and gain insights into India’s achievements in space science, the applications of space technology, and the opportunities available to young learners in the field. The celebration underscored the importance of nurturing scientific curiosity among students and encouraging the next generation to explore opportunities in space science, technology and related fields.
