A young girl from Indore, Tuhina Bhunia attended young scientist program (YUVIKA), a special program for school children, launched by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
In March this year, ISRO announced YUVIKA, a ‘catch them young’ programme entirely sponsored by it to create awareness among students about the emerging areas of space activities. Students had to register online to seek the opportunity.
Based on Class VIII academic performances and scientific aptitude, three students were selected from each of the 36 states and Union territories attached to different ISRO centres for this workshop for schoolchildren under state boards, ICSE and CBSE, with special focus on rural students.
Returning from the program with learning experience, Tuhina, a student of Delhi Public School, shared her experience with Free Press. Following is an excerpt.
“I was exposed to so many interesting things, interacted with eminent scientists and learned about rocket science directly from the scientists who make satellites and work on other similar projects in the ISRO campus.
We all were taken to Sriharikota to see real sounding rocket launch i.e. RH-200 and PSLV. We went inside the "Clean Room" after rounds of security check to get a close view of CHANDRAYAN-2 which will be launched in July 2019.
I also saw the Giant Rocket Launch Vehicle i.e. GSLV which will carry CHANDRAYAN-2 to space. I also spotted ISS i.e. International Space Station with 6 astronauts inside it and also saw craters of the moon through a telescope.
We also performed air rocket trajectory experiment and even made a satellite model. After getting this exposure, I saw that there are so many things in the universe yet to be discovered.
So I will try my best and discover new things in the near future. I am proud to be a 'dipsite' and I aim to become a part of ISRO and serve my Nation.”