Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Web Portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ 

Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan launched a web portal ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ having activity-based support material such as quiz , puzzles, etc for school students on Mission Chandrayaan-3 developed by NCERT under the aegis of the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Ministry of Education, in New Delhi today.

He also released 10 special modules on Chandrayaan-3, offering a comprehensive overview of its various facets – including scientific, technological, and social aspects, as well as the emotional journey and team spirit of the scientists involved.

Chairman, ISRO, and Secretary, Department of Space, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath graced the event as the Guest of Honour. Secretary, DoSEL, Sanjay Kumar; Secretary, Department of Higher Education, K Sanjay Murthy; Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Atul Kumar Tiwari; Chairman, AICTE, Prof. T. G. Sitharam; Chairman, UGC, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar; Director, NCERT, Dr. Dinesh Prasad Saklani; official of the Ministry of Education, dignitaries, and students were also present at the event. A short film on journey of Chandrayan-3 was shown in the event. Creative expressions by students in the forms of photo frames were presented to the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour and poems were read out by students on Chandrayaan-3.

While addressing the event, Pradhan described the success of Chandrayaan 3 one of the most significant achievements of the 21st century that has inspired the children of the country the most. He suggested the development of the APP of the web portal to make it more accessible facilitating self-learning among students. Chandrayaan 3 has ignited confidence among students and inspired them to understand technology, which will help in developing scientific temperament among them, he mentioned.

He thanked Dr. Somanath for inspiring the students and making them brimming with confidence. He also informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has requested Dr. Somanath to take the Chandrayaan 3 stories to the children of the country. He also elaborated on the tasks Prime Minister has entrusted to Dr. Somanath including setting up of orbital space station, development of next-generation launching vehicles, etc. He also urged him to make science fun for the students.

Pradhan also suggested making the modules launched today elective for all classes. He added more modules will be prepared on 14 different topics including women empowerment, COVID-19 vaccination, India’s G20 Presidency, etc. India will be the Viswa Guru sharing knowledge for the global good, he highlighted.

Chandrayaan 3 also reflects the strength of Atmanirbhar Bharat, Pradhan mentioned. He expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for revising the Space policy that has taken the country forward towards Atmanirbhar (self-reliance). He suggested NCERT bring out social stories that will make education accessible, affordable, qualitative, bring gender parity, and requested them to collaborate with organisations like ISRO in doing so.

Dr. Somanath, in his address, thanked Dharmendra Pradhan for the initiative to take the Chandrayaan stories to the young students of the country. Addressing the children, he emphasised, India completed the Chandrayaan 3 Mission by using indigenous technologies. He requested the students to watch the launch of Gaganyaan on 21st October 2023 at 0800 hrs. He inspired young minds to become researchers by inculcating critical thinking.

Sanjay Kumar informed how the suggestions by the Minister resulted in the development of the age-specific modules on Chandrayaan3. He also informed that more such modules will be developed on India’s other major achievements making it a series.

Kumar also mentioned that new puzzles, questions, etc. will be added and this will run till 23 August 2024. He added that this content will be translated into all 22 Indian languages with the help of technology. Young minds now have limitless possibilities to learn with the help of NEP2020, he highlighted.