A group of meritorious students from Manipur has embarked on an educational visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) under the North East Space Applications Centre’s NE-SPARKS (North Eastern Space Promotion Agenda for Research and Knowledge Sharing) programme.
The visit, which commenced earlier this week, is part of a larger vision to empower students from the North Eastern states by providing them with direct exposure to India’s space missions, technological advancements, and research infrastructure. For many of these students, this marks their first journey outside the state—and their first glimpse into the futuristic world of space science and technology.
Igniting Curiosity Beyond Classrooms
The NE-SPARKS initiative is a flagship outreach programme launched by the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC), which operates under the Department of Space. The objective is to bridge the knowledge and opportunity gap for students in the region and inspire them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Under this programme, select students from schools across Manipur—chosen based on academic performance, interest in science, and recommendations from school authorities—are given a rare chance to visit key ISRO facilities. The latest group is visiting centres like the ISRO Satellite Centre (ISAC) and the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, where they can observe satellite fabrication, testing processes, and mission planning.
The students also interact with ISRO scientists and engineers, participate in guided tours, and attend lectures and hands-on sessions that provide real-world insights into India’s ambitious space journey.
Empowering the Northeast Through Education
Manipur, like other northeastern states, has long faced challenges in infrastructure, connectivity, and access to high-quality STEM education. Programmes like NE-SPARKS aim to reverse this trend by building scientific capacity and aspirations among students.
A senior official from NE-SAC stated, “The idea is to take space science out of textbooks and make it real for these students. We want them to dream big and realise that with dedication, they too can be part of ISRO’s mission to explore the universe.”
For the students, the visit is more than just educational—it’s transformational. Thangjam Priyadarshini, a Class 11 student from Imphal, said, “We’ve always read about ISRO in our books, but to actually visit and see how satellites are built is like a dream come true. I now want to become an aerospace engineer.”
A Step Toward Inclusivity in Science
The NE-SPARKS programme also has a special focus on inclusivity and gender balance. A significant number of girls were part of the visiting team, highlighting efforts to break gender stereotypes and encourage girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Teachers accompanying the students observed how quickly the exposure transformed their enthusiasm. “The level of engagement and curiosity we’ve seen in these kids during the sessions is phenomenal. This visit has sparked something in them that textbooks alone could not,” shared one of the mentors.
Vision for the Future
This initiative is part of a broader national effort to integrate the Northeast more closely with India’s mainstream scientific advancements. ISRO, through its outreach arms, has been conducting seminars, school workshops, and training programmes across the region to scout and support budding talent.
The students will also be required to submit short reports and projects based on their ISRO visit, which will be reviewed by a panel of educators and scientists. The best projects may be selected for scholarships or further mentorship programmes.
As India continues to make its mark in the global space race with missions like Chandrayaan-3 and Gaganyaan, initiatives like NE-SPARKS ensure that no region or talent is left behind. For the young students of Manipur, this journey to ISRO is not just a visit—it’s a launchpad for dreams, ambitions, and a future that may one day help shape India’s space odyssey.
