In an initiative to promote interest in science and space research among rural students, Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde recently flagged off 'Mission Bharari', sending 59 Zilla Parishad school students on a five-day visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
Programme Launch and Participation
Launched on January 26, the programme is an initiative of the Thane district administration. It drew participation from more than 9,000 students, mainly from the secondary section across the district. Following a multilevel selection process, including competitive tests, 59 students were shortlisted—54 from Marathi-medium schools and five from Urdu-medium schools, officials said.
Conception and Funding
The initiative was conceived by Thane Collector Shrikrishna Panchal and funded by the district planning committee. The visit aims to provide rural students with firsthand exposure to space research laboratories and modern scientific facilities.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde remarked, 'This is a unique opportunity for rural students to gain firsthand exposure to space research, laboratories, and modern scientific facilities.' The visit includes the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station, Vivekananda Rock Memorial, and Napier Museum.
The programme underscores the state government's commitment to nurturing scientific temper among students from underserved backgrounds. By enabling direct interaction with cutting-edge space technology, Mission Bharari seeks to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.
