KalingaTV News Network
Bhubaneswar: Governor Dr. SC Jamir inaugurated the ‘World Space Week Celebrations 2017’ at KIIT University here on Friday. Prof. Achyuta Samanta, Founder, KIIT & KISS, Dr. P. Kunhikrishnan, Director, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), SHAR, ISRO, Prof. Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, KIIT University and Ajit Kumar Nath, Dy. General Manager, Range Operations, SDSC were present at the inaugural ceremony.
This is the first time that this important event is being held in Odisha, organised by SDSC in association with KIIT University. The theme of the two-day event is ‘Exploring New Worlds in Space’.
The World Space Week is celebrated across the world from October 4-10 to commemorate two events; Launch of the first man made satellite Sputnik-1 on 4th October 1957 and signing of the treaty on principles governing the activities of states in the exploration and peaceful uses of outer space on 10th October, 1967.
“The Indian space programme has scripted many monumental successes over the years. Today, we rank sixth after the U.S., Russia, France, Japan and China in the world, in the matter of satellite launching into low earth orbit,” Dr. Jamir said in his inaugural address. “Satellite technology is playing a big role in our endeavour to realise the vision of a Digital India,” he stated, while appreciating the scientists and technocrats on their achievements.
“The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a workhorse and the most sought after launch vehicle. India has launched satellites of 28 countries,” informed Dr. Kunhikrishnan, who was PSLV Project Director. “KIIT University and KISS University have been started with a great cause and I salute the Founder Prof. Achyuta Samanta for this. Benefits of advancements in space science should reach the society, particularly students, and I am happy that KIIT University has taken the initiative,” he added.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Prof. Achyuta Samanta said that it is a historic day for KIIT to host World Space Week celebrations and thanked SDSC for choosing KIIT for this prestigious event.
The Governor also opened an exhibition that showcases models of different rockets and satellites launched by SHAR and other space science related display materials. The exhibition is attracting a large number of students from different institutions. The two-day celebrations featured talks on space programme by eminent personalities on the first day. Other attractions are quiz tests, competitions for school & college students, interactive sessions with ISRO scientists and video shows.
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