CNN Central News & Network–ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: The second National Space Day 2025 was celebrated with great enthusiasm and dignity at the Regional Science Centre, Bhopal. The special exhibition “Space Heritage in India: From Ancient Skies to Modern Horizons” was inaugurated by the Chief Guest Prof. Govardhan Das, Director, IISER Bhopal.

In his inspiring address during the inaugural ceremony, Prof. Das said that India is not a developing nation, but a re-developing one, with thousands of years of glorious achievements in the fields of science and knowledge. He described the historic success of Chandrayaan-3 at the lunar south pole as a new direction for humanity. The excitement of the children and youth was remarkable; while observing the exhibition, their enthusiasm seemed to declare: “This is not the final result but the beginning of a new era; Chandrayaan-3 is just the gift, and many more await.”

The main program of the day began at 10:30 AM with the inauguration of the special exhibition designed and developed by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM). The exhibition is now open to all visitors and students.

A popular science lecture on “Recent Trends in Astronomy and Space Science” was delivered by Prof. Abhirup Datta, Professor and Head, DAASE, IIT Indore, who joined via video conferencing from Sydney, Australia. He shared fascinating insights into understanding and observing space, offering the audience a fresh glimpse into the depths of the universe.

At Jantar Mantar, educational programs were organized by the Regional Science Centre, Bhopal in collaboration with Maharshi Patanjali Sanskrit Institute, Bhopal and Govt. Jiwaji Observatory, Ujjain, under the School Education Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. These included a hands-on workshop on making an equatorial sundial (all materials were provided by the Centre), demonstration of observatory instruments, a special session on Chandrayaan, a CD show on the solar system, poster presentations, quizzes, and more. A total of 56 students from various government schools in Ujjain participated and benefited from these activities.

At the valedictory ceremony and prize distribution, Prof. Amitabh Pandey, Director, IGRMS Bhopal, announced the winners of the quiz competition held a day earlier, distributed prizes, and extended best wishes for their bright future.

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