World Space Week, an international celebration of science and technology, and its contribution to the betterment of the human condition takes off at KIIT on 6 October 2017 following The United Nations General Assembly declaration in 1999 that World Space Week will be held each year from October 4-10.
Dr S. C. Jamir, His Excellency, the Governor of Odisha inaugurated the ‘World Space Week Celebrations -2017’ at KIIT University in Bhubaneswar on 6 October 2017.
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 Dr Ajit Kumar Nath, Dy. General Manager, Range Operations, SDSC were present at the inaugural ceremony.
World Space Week is celebrated all over the world during 4th to 10th October to commemorate two events: Launch of first human-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. This is the first time 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 Indian space programme has had 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 for the achievement.
Making significant progress after a humble beginning in the 1960s, India has become one the leading countries in the field of space science and satellite technology, Dr P. Kunhikrishnan said. “Total 62 launch vehicles have lifted off Sriharikota, India’s only ‘Space Port’, including the breakthrough missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan”, he informed. India is the only country to launch a Mars mission first time in the first attempt, the SDSC Director said, whiles recounting contributions made by the great scientists.
“The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a workhorse and the most sought-after launch vehicles. 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. 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 session with ISRO scientists and video shows.
Prof. Hrushikesha Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, KIIT University also spoke on the occasion. Among others, scientists from ISRO, an academic delegation from Daffodil International University, Bangladesh and a large number of students attended the inaugural ceremony. Dr Ajit Kumar Nath, Dy. General Manager, Range Operations, SDSC proposed the vote of thanks.