Bengaluru planetarium hosts World Space Week activities for students

More than 100 school students gathered at Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium for World Space Week activities, where ISTRAC director M R Raghavendra urged them to keep asking questions and continue learning.

Raghavendra told the audience that scientists do not necessarily come from IITs, reputed institutions or gold-medal backgrounds. He said knowledge, hard work and the will to pursue their goals help people reach that level.

For students considering space science or technology, he stressed the need for strong foundations in maths and science. He also asked teachers to encourage questions and update their own knowledge.

Raghavendra noted India’s progress from launching 35 kg satellites to satellites weighing about six tonnes. The programme included space and astronomy quizzes, painting contests and a Mars Rover workshop.

Harshit S, a Class 9 student at Sri Saraswathi Vidya Mandir in Magadi, said he learnt how ISRO and rockets work and hopes to travel to space one day. His classmate, Sai Prajrumbh, said the programme changed his understanding of stars.