To celebrate the first National Space Day 

To celebrate the first National Space Day on August 23, 2024, the Government of India has launched a month-long campaign to highlight the notable achievements of India's space missions and inspire the country's youth. This year's theme is “Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga” emphasizing the profound impact of space exploration on society and technology.

The Government of India officially declared August 23 as National Space Day to honor the success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved a safe and soft landing of the Vikram lander at the 'Shiv Shakti' point, and deployed the Pragyan rover on the lunar surface on August 23, 2023. National Space Day acknowledges significant achievements in space exploration and highlights advancements in space technology. This day is dedicated to inspiring future generations by generating interest in space science and technology among students and providing them with role models. Additionally, National Space Day raises awareness about the importance and benefits of space exploration, promotes national pride and unity, and serves as a powerful reminder of the impact of space exploration on our lives and the need for continued support and progress in this essential field.

Council of Science and Technology, U.P. organized a two-day event on August 22 and 23, 2024, to mark National Space Day. Students from seven prestigious schools and universities in Lucknow participated in this event. On the first day, the council held a space quiz, poster-making, and speech competitions, with approximately 250 students participating in all events.
In the space quiz, the first prize of ₹5,000, the second prize of ₹3,000, and the third prize of ₹2,000, along with two consolation prizes of ₹1,000 each, were awarded to:

•    Samir Sen, Lucknow Model Public School, Faridipur 1st prize
•    Ayushman Shukla, City Convent Intermediate College 2nd prize
•    Rishabh Rawat, City Convent Intermediate College 3rd prize
•    Tejas Singh and Saurabh Srivastava, Lucknow Model Public School, Surya Nagar Consolation prize
In the poster-making competition, the first prize of ₹5,000, the second prize of ₹3,000, and the third prize of ₹2,000, along with two consolation prizes of ₹1,000 each, were awarded to:
•    Priya Sen, Lucknow Model Public School, Faridipur 1st prize
•    Rohini Singh, Lucknow Model Public School, Surya Nagar 2nd prize
•    Anshi Dubey, Montfort Intermediate College, Mahanagar 3rd prize
•    Ayush Tripathi, Lucknow Model Public Intermediate College, Surya Nagar 3rd prize
•    Irtika Hasan, Unity College, Lucknow Consolation prize
•    Mukti, Lucknow Model Public School, Faridipur Consolation prize
Anshi Dubey and Ayush Tripathi received the third prize jointly.
In the speech competition, the first prize of ₹5,000, the second prize of ₹3,000, and the third prize of ₹2,000, along with two consolation prizes of ₹1,000 each, were awarded to:
•    Dev Shukla, City Convent Intermediate College 1st prize
•    Tejaswini, Lucknow Model Public School, Faridipur 2nd prize
•    Aditi Shukla, City Convent Intermediate College 2nd prize
•    Deepanshi Singh, Lucknow Model Public School, Sadrauna 3rd prize
•    Mridul Mishra, Montfort Intermediate College, Mahanagar Consolation prize
•    Vaishnavi Bajpai, Lucknow Model Public Intermediate College, Surya Nagar Consolation prize
Tejaswini and Aditi Shukla received the second prize jointly.

The two-day event featured lectures by Dr. Mohammad Hasan from ISRO Bangalore Headquarters, Dr. Aniruddh Uniyal from RSAC, Lucknow, and Mr. Rajeev Kumar from ISTRAC, ISRO. Around 250 school students participating in the event learned about Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, and various topics related to space from the scientists. The awards were presented by Mr. Pandhari Yadav, IAS, Principal Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Uttar Pradesh Government. Dr. Mohammad Hasan gave a talk on Chandrayaan-3 and ISRO's journey, Dr. Aniruddh Uniyal discussed the moon, and Mr. Rajeev Kumar presented on satellites. The Secretary, CST UP, Mr. Sheeldhar Singh Yadav, encouraged students to pursue careers in space. Director Dr. D.K. Srivastava expressed gratitude to the students, teachers, and scientists who attended the event.