28 students from state get rare glimpse into ISRO labs, inspired to take up research

A group of 28 students from technical institutions in Haryana returned today after a two-day visit to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bengaluru, calling it a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

The students, selected from the computer, electrical and electronics streams, were given special permission to visit ISRO’s state-of-the-art laboratories, instead of the usual Vikram Sarabhai Space Exhibition.

“We visited labs and learnt how various branches of engineering integrate to achieve technological advancements. The scientists encouraged us to focus on research since most engineers today choose corporate or IT jobs instead,” said Dikshant Sharma of JC Bose University of Science and Technology, Faridabad.

Kanv, of Government Polytechnic, Sirsa, said he was in awe of the scientists. “We have the three armed forces, but ISRO is like a fourth force spearheading advancements in defence, weather forecasting and health. We saw how microelectric chips, finer than hair and made of gold are created to carry instructions in satellites,” he said.

Aditya, from Government Polytechnic, Nilokheri, described how they witnessed artificial vacuum conditions created to test satellites, while Nitika, of Chaudhary Devi Lal Institute of Engineering and Technology, Sirsa, was fascinated by how 2D satellite images are converted into 3D.

Vishal said the students were amazed to learn about the long working hours. “Scientists told us they work 15-20 hours a day but don’t feel exhausted because they are working for the nation,” he said. Neelima Rani, of JC Bose University, said the optical imaging generation and testing facilities particularly caught her attention.

The visit was organised by Director General, Technical Education, Prabhjot Singh, who said: “We had been pursuing this trip with ISRO since April. Because I worked with ISRO before joining civil services, they allowed our students inside the labs. Director ISRO Nilesh Desai motivated the students to work hard and join ISRO, while scientist Prashant Verma explained the working of various sections.”

Singh added that around 70 scientists from Haryana are currently serving ISRO.