Pune: In an innovative initiative to promote scientific curiosity, students from Pune Zilla Parishad (ZP) schools will have the opportunity to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). A total of 25 students will be selected for NASA, while 40 will visit ISRO.
A Unique Initiative for Rural Students
The Pune Zilla Parishad aims to foster a research-oriented mindset among students from rural backgrounds. To achieve this, it has partnered with the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), a leading institute in astronomy research, for student selection.
Selection Process and Examination
The selection of students will be based on a competitive examination. To finalize the syllabus and exam structure, a key meeting between IUCAA scientists and Zilla Parishad officials will be held on Monday.
ZP’s Educational Vision
Apart from this initiative, Zilla Parishad Chief Executive Officer Gajanan Patil has outlined a larger vision for rural education. The budget proposal includes a project to convert 303 rural schools into model schools annually, aiming to enhance the quality of education in the region.
This initiative is expected to inspire young minds and encourage them to pursue careers in space science and research.