Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh’s Jan Bhawan (Governor House) now has a Village Scientific Space Lab on its premises.Named after astronaut Sunita Williams, the lab was inaugurated by governor Anandiben Patel in the presence of the director of ISRO’s Space Application Centre, Nilesh M Desai, on Monday. The lab, in collaboration with Vyomika Foundation, aims to provide students of Classes VI to VIII with hands-on learning opportunities in space science, robotics, drone technology, artificial intelligence, astronomy, and satellite applications. The governor also launched the ‘Space on Wheels’ van from the Adarsh Secondary School, located inside Jan Bhawan. The van showcased the achievements of the Indian space programme, including working scale models of the SLV, PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, Indian launch vehicles, and detailed models depicting the development of space technology. The governor visited exhibits of the Vikram Lunar Lander, Chandrayaan, PSLV, GSLV, Mangalyaan, telescopes, drones, aircraft models, mini robots, and a demonstration of aircraft by the students inside the lab. During her interaction with students, Patel asked them to attend school regularly. She encouraged the children to maintain cleanliness in the school premises and surroundings, and to refrain from littering. She instructed teachers to conduct regular cleaning campaigns with students. Patel suggested that students should wear a smile when they come to school and when they return home. Officials said the lab will foster scientific curiosity, innovation, and critical thinking among students. It will also bridge the gap between theoretical science education and practical, application-oriented STEM learning in govt schools. Further, the lab will help students pursue higher education and careers in space science, engineering, and emerging technologies. Students will receive STEM-based curriculum modules, educational content, and activity kits aligned with ISRO’s outreach guidelines. There will also be periodic exhibitions, competitions, and science fairs to enhance student engagement, besides facilitating space lab students for ISRO centre visits and competitions.
