The Space on Wheels initiative, a collaborative outreach programme of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Vijnana Bharati (VIBHA), concluded with a valedictory function at COEP Technological University Auditorium in Pune on Monday. The Space on Wheels initiative showcased ISRO’s achievements, including models of satellites, launch vehicles, and missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and Gaganyaan, while highlighting the societal benefits of satellite applications in navigation, communication, and remote sensing. It featured quizzes, poster-making, essay-writing, science exhibitions, and interactive sessions with ISRO scientists, offering students hands-on learning experiences. The programme saw over 4,15,520 visitors from across seven districts of Western Maharashtra, including Pune, Nashik, Ahilyanagar, Solapur, Sangli, Kolhapur, and Satara in attendance. The Space on Wheels mobile exhibition showcased ISRO’s technological advancements in space science and provided a platform to educate and engage students, teachers, and the public with interactive exhibits, activities, and competitions. At the beginning of the programme, the bus Space on Wheels was given a grand welcome in the premises of COEP, with the sound of drums and conch shells. It was also showered with flowers by drones. On this occasion, floral tributes were paid to the statue of M. Visvesvaraya. Dr Prakash Chauhan, director of National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) and chief guest of the ceremony said, “The visionary dream of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, the father of Indian space science, who had a vision for space science and believed that space science would change the lives of masses, has been fulfilled. Today, all of our lives have been fulfilled.” Dr Chauhan also highlighted India's remarkable journey from economic challenges during Sarabhai's era to becoming a space science leader. He said, “ISRO's achievements, such as Chandrayaan, have captivated public interest while improving lives through satellite applications in weather forecasting, agriculture, disaster management, and more.” He expressed optimism about India's future space missions, including Gaganyaan and Venus exploration, underscoring the importance of initiatives like 'Space on Wheels' in bringing space science closer to people. National organisation secretary of Vigyan Bharati, Dr Shivkumar Sharma, stated, "The Space on Wheels programme successfully raised awareness about space science, inspiring curiosity and encouraging questions among citizens. Teachers play a vital role in fostering inquiry and guiding students to find answers. ISRO's achievements not only reach the skies but also connect deeply with the grassroots.”
