: Faridabad Chapter of Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Programme (VSCP) organized to commemorate the centenary birth year of Dr. Vikram A Sarabhai, Indian Space Research Organization – ISRO concluded today at Manav Rachna campus. Around 2000 students from approximately 50 schools in Delhi-NCR participated in the Centenary Space Exhibition & Competitions in the three-day ISRO’s VSCP.

The ceremony commenced with the welcome address followed by a floral tribute to the ‘Father of Indian Space Programme’- Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Dr. G. Srinivasan, Head, RRSC- North and Chairman- Organizing Committee, ISRO gave an overview of the three-day Vikram Sarabhai Centenary Programme. He shared that VSCP is primarily targeted at educational institutions, students and teachers to apprise everyone about the space technology and the contributions made so far in the industry.

Padma Shri M. Chandra Dathan delivered ‘Dr. Vikram Sarabhai Memorial Lecture’ wherein he shared the inspirational situations from the life of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai and he managed to emerge as a passionate leader and team player. Considering Dr. Sarabhai as the ‘man with the stars in his eyes’, he said that Dr. Sarabhai had the spark in his eyes, a mission and vision to bring our country to this level. Also mentioning the significant contribution of science and technology in the growth of India, he said, ‘Science and Technology make us progress and can help us eliminate several evils that exist in our country’.

Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, VC- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies said, ‘It is a privilege for Manav Rachna to be chosen in Faridabad to host the prestigious VSCP’. Recognizing the vision and works of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, he said, ‘Contribute significantly to the society and people will remember you forever’.

The conclusion ceremony of VSCP held in the august presence of Padma Shri M. Chandra Dathan, Distinguished Scientist of ISRO and Former Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO and Former Director SDSC, SHAR & LPSC, ISRO; Dr. Sanjay Srivastava, VC- Manav Rachna International Institute of Research and Studies; Dr. K. Shahana, Head- Delhi Earth Station; Dr. G. Srinivasan, Head, RRSC- North and Chairman- Organizing Committee, ISRO ; Dr. Imtiyaz Ali Khan, OSD, ISRO; and other senior dignitaries from Manav Rachna and ISRO.

The three-day programme (20 Nov- 22 Nov) included a series of events/competitions wherein school and college students actively participated which included Space Exhibition, Painting Competition (Grade VI-VIII), Solve the Challenge, Pick & Speak Competition, Space Club Activities, Video Shows, and Lectures on Indian Space Programme, Remote Sensing, Space Applications etc. Technical lectures were delivered by Dr. Imtiyaz Ali Khan, OSD, ISRO and Dr. K. Shahana, Head- Delhi Earth Station.

The result of the competitions is as follows:

PAINTING: Mr. Lakshay Arora, MVN (First); Tannu, St. Columbus (Second); Deepali Arya, DNM Public School (Third)

Pick and Speak (Grade 9-12)– Yashvika Pasricha, DPS Greater Faridabad (First); Tanisha Tuteja, Manav Rachna (Second); Shivansh Kr. Jha, St. Columbus (Third)

Pick and Speak (College)– Bhavya Sharma, MRIIRS

Solve the Challenge– Anand Krishna Nair

Quiz– Keshav, GMSSSS Faridabad (Winner) and Rohit, GMSSSS, Faridabad (Winner)