National Space Day Celebrated at GIET University

ISRO Rocket Models and Chandrayaan-3 Mission Displayed

Gunupur, August 10, 2026: National Space Day was celebrated at Gandhi Institute of Engineering and Technology (GIET) University, Gunupur, with a two-day programme jointly organised by the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Sriharikota, and GIET University.

National Space Day is observed in India on August 23 to commemorate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the lunar surface. It is a matter of pride that GIET University has been selected as the only educational institution in Odisha to host the National Space Day programme this year.

As part of the celebrations, an exhibition showcasing various ISRO rocket models and the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission was inaugurated. Dr. T. V. Ramana Reddy, Distinguished Scientist and Deputy Director, ISRO, and Dr. Chandra Dhwaj Panda, Vice President, GIET University, jointly inaugurated the exhibition.

An inaugural ceremony was subsequently organised at the university’s Mega Auditorium. Dr. T. V. Ramana Reddy, Deputy Director, SDSC SHAR, who attended the programme as the Chief Guest, highlighted the significant role of scientists in the development and progress of the nation. He emphasised the contribution of scientific research and innovation towards India’s advancement.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Chandra Dhwaj Panda, Vice President, GIET University, said that institutions such as ISRO have created new milestones in establishing India’s technological and nuclear capabilities on the global stage. Dr. Gautam Ghosh, Vice Chancellor, GIET University, spoke about the importance of scientific innovation in contemporary society and the role of scientists in shaping the future.

Scientist from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Debashish Mahapatra, delivered the welcome address, while Dr. K. Murali Gopal, Principal, School of Engineering and Technology, GIET University, proposed the vote of thanks.

The inaugural programme also featured an interactive session in which several ISRO scientists joined virtually and interacted with the students, responding to their questions and sharing insights into India’s space missions and scientific achievements.

Professor A. V. N. L. Sharma, Vice Chancellor (Material Science), Dr. Balakrushna Tripathy, Pro Vice Chancellor (Computational Science), Dr. N. V. J. Rao, Registrar, and Dr. P. Vijay Kumar, Controller of Examinations, along with several ISRO scientists and senior university officials, attended the programme.

The exhibition witnessed enthusiastic participation from students of educational institutions across the Gunupur region. Students had the opportunity to observe ISRO’s rocket models and learn about India’s achievements in space exploration.

As part of the National Space Day celebrations, a quiz competition on space science and India’s space missions was also organised for students from various educational institutions.