At Chandrayaan 3’s success, Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru cherishes its bond with ISRO
2 min read
Mysuru: As the whole world witnessed the historic lunar mission, Chandrayaan 3 success on August 23, Sri Ramakrishna Vidyashala in Mysuru too joined the celebration by watching it live in their campus. However, the school’s joy knew no bounds when the school principal recalled the school’s cherished association with some of the distinguished scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation.
In long and heartwarming note by the school Principal S Balaji – that’s being shared everywhere – he reminisced several occasion when top scientists from the ISRO visited the campus and left an impression on the wards.
Speaking to Mysoorunews.com, Principal Balaji recalled how then ISRO Chairman Dr Kasturi Rangan’s simplicity floored him. “After I assumed the office as Principal in 1999, I had gone to his office in Bengaluru to invite him for the school’s annual day programme (1999-2000). I was speechless when he stood up from his chair to receive me. I am a commoner like anyone before him. But he had such great respect for those who met him,” Balaji said.
In 2001, Space Scientist and former President Late Dr APJ Abdul Kalam was invited for the school annual day. He took a tour of the campus, interacted with students and took part in the annual day celebration. His address to students was such inspirational, Balaji added. “I consider it’s my privilege to have got a chance to interact with Dr Kalam,” said Balaji adding Dr Kalam presented him with his book “Wings of Fire” autographed by him. “That’s one of my cherished moments,” he said.
The students of the institution also had a chance to meet then ISRO president Dr Madhavan Nair in 2008. He was the guest at the school’s annual day. Nair had come with his family.
During his visit, the students demonstrated him a working model of ‘Chandrayaan’ and Nair appreciated the students for their near perfection efforts, recalled Balaji. Moved by the students’ initiative, ISRO scientist Nair donated Rs 50,000 to the institute and also Rs 10,000 for the students who worked on the Chandrayaan working model. “We have utilised the amount to develop a knowledge park in the school that is one of a kind initiative to encourage scientific temper among children,” added Balaji. Bharat Ratna Prof C N R Rao too has visited the campus enlightening students with his knowledge.
In 2017, too former ISRO chairman and distinguished scientist Dr Kiran Kumar was the chief guest at the college’s annual day. The school is grateful for his inspirational speech.
Today, when the students watched the Chandrayaan 3 live at the campus, it was quite a humbling experience to rejoice the school’s association with the ISRO, noted Balaji.
On August 23, Chandrayaan 3’s Vikram lander successfully landed on the South Pole on the lunar surface. India is the first country to land on South Pole.
-Team Mysoorunews
Mysooru News
