Chandigarh, June 7: A group of talented Class 10 students from Chandigarh—Arshia Thakur, Shreyas Shahi, Sanat Kumar, Osheen Maleri, Raghav, Sahl, Ayusman, and Pankaj—recently returned from a transformative scientific journey at the prestigious YUVIKA 2025 (Young Scientist Programme) organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The immersive two-week residential programme was held from May 19 to May 30 at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru.
YUVIKA, ISRO’s flagship outreach initiative, aims to “Catch Them Young” by igniting scientific curiosity and nurturing the next generation of space scientists and engineers. The selected students were exposed to a wide spectrum of cutting-edge topics in space science and satellite technology through hands-on activities such as model rocketry, space robotics, and expert-led interactive sessions with senior ISRO scientists.
Sharing her experience, Arshia Thakur from Ankur School, Panjab University, said, “YUVIKA has been nothing short of a transformative journey. It expanded my scientific horizons, nurtured my curiosity, and encouraged me to dream beyond the stars. Interacting with ISRO scientists—who embody a rare fusion of intellectual brilliance and grounded humility—left a lasting impression on me.”
The programme provided participants with a unique opportunity to witness India’s space prowess up close and gain valuable insights into its ambitious space missions. For many, it was not just a learning experience but a life-changing one that cemented their aspirations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
With initiatives like YUVIKA, ISRO continues to play a pivotal role in inspiring the youth of India to explore the final frontier—not just as a subject, but as a future career.
Reviews of students who had attended ISRO YuViKa Programme 2025
Attending ISRO’s YUVIKA 2025 was a journey of discovery—not just into space science, but into the values that quietly power India’s space missions. Virtually inaugurated by ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, the program introduced us to inspiring figures like Kalpana Kalahasti, the Moon Man of India Shri M. Annadurai, astronaut-designate Angad Pratap, and several other eminent scientists whose simplicity spoke louder than their titles. Scientists, carrying decent pens and wearing simple slippers, addressed us as the future thinkers and innovators. The excellent work culture of ISRO reminded me that true success isn’t built only in labs, but in character. By the end, all of us were named ISRO’s brand ambassadors—entrusted with carrying forward its vision, values, and spirit of exploration.
Arshia Thakur, Ankur Senior Secondary Co-eduational School
My ISRO-YUVIKA 2025 experience was magical. We attended lectures given by eminent personalities and visited ISRO’s top facilities like LEOS, ISTRAC, URSC, and ISITE—where we saw satellites and witnessed the integration of the Gaganyaan module up close. We also learned about satellite tracking and lens making. We toured Bengaluru and met inspiring scientists like Shri M. Annadurai and astronaut Group Captain Angad Pratap. A highlight was interacting with scientists from ISRO’s Antarctica station and learning about their work. The cultural program added to the fun, and overall, the well-organised experience taught me how to live alone, enjoy, and learn at the same time.
-Sanat Kumar, Tender Heart School
Attending YuViKa 2025 was an enriching experience. We met renowned scientists, including Angad Pratap Sir, and witnessed the Gaganyaan mission, clean rooms, and satellite building. As someone interested in robotics, building rockets and drones through hands-on experiments gave me new insights into robotics in space science. We attended lectures and received real-time signals from a NASA satellite. We also visited ISRO facilities like LEOS, ISTRAC, ISITE, and URSC, along with Bangalore’s VIT Museum and Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium. YuViKa deepened my knowledge of space science and strengthened my passion for robotics and India’s space missions.
-Shreyas Sahi, Kendriya Vidyalaya, AFS
