02/09/2025
The Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) in Assam is introducing space education in schools, with 15 institutions now equipped with dedicated laboratories under the Bodoland Space Education Programme. On August 23, Tamulpur Higher Secondary School inaugurated the Haladhar Ujir Memorial Space Laboratory during its first-ever National Space Day celebration, becoming the latest to join the initiative. The programme, supported by Vyomika Space Academy and aligned with ISRO, began in July 2024 at Sidli-Kashikotra Higher Secondary School in Chirang—the first such facility in Northeast India.
These space labs feature telescopes, PSLV/GSLV models, CanSat payload kits, and experiments with sensors, propulsion, and telemetry. Over 3,000 students have already participated in activities such as water-propelled rocket building and learning orbital mechanics, bringing theory to life through hands-on learning.
The initiative is a dream project of BTC Chief Executive Member Pramod Boro, who hopes to boost STEM learning among rural students and encourage scientific curiosity. Each lab is named after a respected educator or community leader to instill pride and ownership, such as Sidli-Kashikotra’s lab named after late journalist Chino Basumatary.
Teachers and parents say the programme is transforming young minds. Students now express ambitions of becoming space scientists and eagerly discuss topics like black holes and supernovas, while parents feel their children are reaching beyond traditional classroom boundaries into the cosmos.
