Nashik: In a landmark step for rural education, six students from Nashik Zilla Parishad schools, who have secured admission to IIT under the Super 50 initiative, are set to visit the United States for a study tour. The highlight of this week-long journey will be a visit to NASA, the world’s premier space research organisation, along with reputed American universities, laboratories, and technology hubs.
The Super 50 program of Nashik Zilla Parishad has already revolutionised opportunities for rural students by providing residential training, expert coaching, and full support for competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Taking this initiative further, CEO Omkar Pawar, an IAS officer of 2022 batch, conceptualised the “Nashik to NASA” program, ensuring global exposure for talented students from humble backgrounds. One teacher will also accompany the group, selected through an interview process.
Pawar, a 2022-batch IAS officer of the Maharashtra cadre, hails from Satara district. Coming from an agrarian family, he has remained deeply connected to rural realities, even working on farms while preparing for UPSC. His administrative journey includes serving as Assistant Collector in Gadchiroli and Igatpuri before being appointed CEO of Nashik Zilla Parishad in 2025. Known for his proactive approach, he has spearheaded drives against malnutrition by becoming a “Nutrition Ambassador” and has strengthened rural healthcare through surprise inspections of health centres.
“Through Nashik to NASA, we want to give global wings to rural students’ dreams and prove that even Zilla Parishad schools can produce achievers of international standards,” Pawar said.
This initiative, now planned as an annual exercise, is expected to inspire thousands of students across Nashik. By linking village classrooms to world-class institutions like NASA, the project reflects the transformative power of visionary leadership and ensures that rural talent can shine on a global stage.
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