GUWAHATI, Jan 18: In a grand ceremony at the Srimanta Sankardeva International Auditorium in Guwahati, the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Dr Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, was felicitated by Pragjyotishpur University on Wednesday.
The event aimed to celebrate the remarkable success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, led by Dr. Somanath, and foster an insightful interaction between the distinguished scientist and students.
Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, an internationally renowned scientist, led the team of brilliant minds responsible for the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which achieved the historic feat of reaching the moon’s south pole in 2023. In addition to this milestone, Dr. Somanath and his team successfully launched India’s first observation mission to the Sun, Aditya-L1, in September 2023.
The felicitation-cum-interaction program, coinciding with Shilpi Divas, commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and the garlanding of the image of the great artist Jyoti Prasad Agarwala.
Students from various schools and colleges across Assam gathered to witness the event and engage with the visionary scientist.
During his address, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath highlighted India’s bold strides in space exploration.
He also emphasised the significance of knowledge in defining power and suggested that a nation must be powerful to provide high standards of living to its citizens.
Further acknowledging the transformative impact of the Artificial Intelligence revolution, he stressed the importance of maintaining social sensitivity in a world shaped and driven by AI.
Responding to a student’s query on finding motivation in times of disappointment, Dr. Somanath shared insightful wisdom. He expressed that gratitude for what one has and learning to work with that gratitude eliminate the need for additional motivation.
He underscored the crucial role of mentorship in making ISRO a great institution, highlighting the power of guidance and support in achieving remarkable feats in space exploration.
The felicitation ceremony served not only as a tribute to Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath’s leadership but also as an inspiration for the aspiring minds of Assam, showcasing the potential for Indian excellence in the field of space exploration.
The event concluded with a renewed sense of enthusiasm and admiration for the remarkable achievements of ISRO under Dr. Somanath’s guidance.