New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to host a unique educational initiative aimed at school children named the “Young Scientist Programme,” also known as “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” (YUVIKA).
The primary objective of this endeavor is to provide fundamental insights into space science, technology, and applications to younger students, acquainting them with the latest advancements in these fields.
ISRO emphasizes the importance of engaging young minds early, believing that they hold the potential to contribute significantly to space science and technology, thereby shaping the future of the nation.
YUVIKA also aims to inspire more students to pursue research and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines.
The Young Scientist Programme – YUVIKA was conceived with a focus on reaching students in rural areas, intending to raise awareness about emerging trends in science and technology among school-goers.
The programme entails two weeks of classroom sessions, practical experiments, hands-on activities such as CANSAT projects and robotics, model rocketry, interactions with ISRO scientists, and field trips. It has seen successful editions in 2019, 2022, and 2023 with the participation of 111, 153, and 337 students, respectively, representing every state and union territory.
The curriculum includes classroom lectures, hands-on activities like robotics challenges and rocket/satellite assembly, stargazing sessions, technical facility visits, and opportunities to interact with space scientists.
Registration for YUVIKA-2024 will be open from February 20 to March 20, 2024. The process involves registering on the ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa Platform, verifying the email, participating in a SpaceQuiz, filling personal and education details, attesting certificates by the school principal, and uploading necessary documents.
Students studying in Class 9 as of January 1, 2024, within India are eligible to apply. Applicants are urged to review their application details and uploaded documents carefully before submission, as changes cannot be made afterward.
For further information and to apply, interested students can visit the ISRO Antariksha Jigyasa website: https://jigyasa.iirs.gov.in/yuvika. (ANI)
