National Space Day–2026 Celebrated at Sikkim Science Centre
Theme: “India’s Space Journey Towards Viksit Bharat 2047”
On 23rd August 2026, Sikkim Science Centre, Namli, celebrated National Space Day–2026 with enthusiasm and scientific spirit, to commemorate India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration and the historic success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. The programme was organised by the Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology and supported by the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Sikkim, under the theme “India’s Space Journey Towards Viksit Bharat 2047.” The programme was graced by Dr. Suman Thapa, Director, Sikkim State Council ofScience and Technology, as the Chief Guest. The programme was also attended by the Deputy Director, Department of Science and Technology; Principal, Bojoghari Senior Secondary School, Gangtok, Mr. Sharad Poudyal, Teachers and Students from various schools of Pakyong and Gangtok Districts, Resource Persons:a) Dr. Shubhrangshu Ghosh, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Astrophysics, Gravitation and Cosmology, SRM University Sikkim, b) Dr. Rupak Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Sikkim University and staff members of Sikkim Science Centre c) Dr. O’ Indrila Biswas, Deputy Director, Research and Development, Department of Botany, SRM University Sikkim. A major highlight of the celebration was the series of educational competitions organised for school students, namely Painting Competition, Essay Competition and PowerPoint Presentation Competition. Around 15 students from different schools participated in the competitions, showcasing their creativity, scientific understanding and awareness of India’s growing capabilities in space science and technology.
Results of the Competitions:
1) Painting Competition:
1st Position – St. Xavier School, Pakyong;
2nd Position – Tashi Namgyal Senior Secondary School, Gangtok;
3rd Position – Govt. Senior Secondary School, Namchebong Pakyong.
2) Essay Competition:
1st Position – PM Shri Deorali Girls’ Senior Secondary School;
2nd Position – Government Senior Secondary School, Bojoghari;
3rd Position – Government Senior Secondary School, Tadong.
3) PowerPoint Presentation Competition:
1st Position – Government Senior Secondary School, Rumtek;
2nd Position – Biraspati Prasai Govt. Senior Secondary School, Ranipool;
3rd Position – Government Senior Secondary School, Bojoghari
The technical sessions were conducted by eminent resource persons who provided students with valuable insights into contemporary developments in science and space research. Dr. Shubhrangshu Ghosh, Associate Professor and Chairperson, Centre for Astrophysics, Gravitation and Cosmology, SRM University Sikkim, interacted with the participants on astronomy, astrophysics and the wider significance of space science. Dr. Rupak Mukherjee, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, Sikkim University, whose research areas include Nuclear Fusion, Astrophysics and Machine Learning, shared perspectives on emerging scientific research and its applications. Dr. O’ Indrila Biswas, Deputy Director, Research and Development, Department of Botany, SRM University Sikkim, also contributed to the programme by highlighting the relevance of scientific research and innovation. The competitions provided an interactive platform for students to express their ideas on India’s space journey. Through paintings, essays and presentations, the participants reflected on achievements in space exploration, future possibilities in space science and technology, and the role of young minds in contributing towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047.
The event also encouraged students to engage directly with the activities and facilities of the Sikkim Science Centre. The interaction between students, teachers, resource persons and science-centre staff created an enriching learning environment and strengthened the objective of promoting scientific temper, curiosity and innovation among young learners. The celebration, including the student PowerPoint presentations, concluded with appreciation for the participating schools, students, teachers, resource persons and staff for their active contribution to the successful conduct of National Space Day–2026. The programme reaffirmed the commitment of the Sikkim State Council of Science and Technology and the Department of Science & Technology, Government of Sikkim, towards popularising science and technology and inspiring the younger generation to take an active interest in India’s space programme and scientific progress.
