Raipur: Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Thursday launched ‘Antariksh Sangwari’ (Space Friends), an initiative aimed at introducing students from tribal-dominated Jashpur district to space science, astronaut training and careers in science and technology.
The programme, being implemented by the Jashpur district administration in partnership with a foundation, has been backed by Indian Air Force Group Captain and astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla.
10,000 Students to Be Screened Across Jashpur
Under the initiative, nearly 10,000 students from Classes 8 to 12 will be screened across all eight blocks of Jashpur district.
The programme will identify promising students and provide selected candidates with specialised exposure to:
- Space science
- Astronaut training
- Science and technology
- Innovation and related career opportunities
The initiative is particularly aimed at students from remote and tribal areas who may have limited access to such opportunities.
Selected Students to Receive Week-Long Training in Raipur
Students selected through the screening process will undergo a week-long training programme in Raipur from October 1 to 7.
The training will provide students with an opportunity to gain deeper exposure to space science and related fields.
Following the Raipur programme, a proposed visit to Bengaluru is scheduled for October 15.
Students to Interact With Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla
During the proposed Bengaluru visit, selected students will get an opportunity to learn more about India’s space and science ecosystem.
They are also expected to interact with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, gaining insights into astronaut training, spaceflight and career opportunities in the space sector.
Competitive Selection Process Announced
The selection of students under Antariksh Sangwari will be conducted through a competitive process.
The key dates include:
- September 15: Registration deadline
- September 26: Examination
- September 27-29: Interviews and evaluation
- October 1-7: Training programme in Raipur
- October 15: Proposed Bengaluru visit
- October 26: Award ceremony
The process will help identify students with an aptitude and interest in science, technology and space-related subjects.
CM Sai Focuses on Opportunities for Tribal Students
Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the initiative has been designed to ensure that children from remote and tribal areas can access opportunities in science, technology and innovation.
Such opportunities are often concentrated in larger cities, making initiatives like Antariksh Sangwari important for expanding exposure to students in relatively remote regions. The programme aims to encourage young students to explore careers beyond traditional educational pathways and develop an interest in India’s growing space and technology sectors.
Antariksh Sangwari Aims to Inspire Future Space Aspirants
For students in Jashpur, the initiative offers an opportunity to experience aspects of space science beyond classroom lessons and textbook diagrams.
Exposure to astronaut training, science institutions and interaction with an astronaut could encourage students to explore careers in space science, engineering, research and technology.
