Union Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Launches ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ Web Portal and Special Modules on Chandrayaan-3 for Students
In a significant move aimed at inspiring and educating the youth of India, Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, has unveiled the ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal and a series of 10 special modules on Mission Chandrayaan-3. This initiative, developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, is a remarkable step towards fostering scientific curiosity and innovation among school students.
The ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal offers a wide array of activity-based support materials, including quizzes, puzzles, and more, specifically designed for school students. These resources are aimed at enhancing students’ understanding of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is one of the most remarkable achievements of the 21st century. The web portal’s content includes engaging materials that help students explore the scientific, technological, social, and emotional aspects of the mission.
The launch event, held in New Delhi, was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary of the Department of Space, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, Shri Sanjay Kumar, and various other dignitaries. The event also featured the presentation of a short film detailing the journey of Chandrayaan-3, as well as creative expressions by students in the form of photo frames and poems dedicated to the mission.
Addressing the audience, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan emphasized that Chandrayaan-3’s success has not only inspired the youth but has also ignited their interest in technology and science. He suggested the development of a dedicated mobile app for the web portal to facilitate self-learning among students. The Minister also expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for his efforts in promoting self-reliance in space exploration and education.
Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, thanked Shri Pradhan for taking Chandrayaan-3 stories to the young students, emphasizing that this mission was accomplished using indigenous technologies. He encouraged the students to witness the launch of Gaganyaan on October 21, 2023, and inspire young minds to become researchers by nurturing critical thinking.
Shri Sanjay Kumar highlighted that the Minister’s suggestions led to the development of age-specific modules on Chandrayaan-3, and more such modules will be developed on India’s other major achievements. He emphasized that the content on the web portal will be translated into all 22 Indian languages, making it accessible to a wider audience.
The ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal offers a variety of resources, including coloring books, online quizzes, jigsaw puzzles, picture builders, and inspiring stories in the form of graphic novels about Chandrayaan-3. The materials are tailored for different age groups, promoting observation, awareness, and interactive learning.
Additionally, 10 special modules have been released to provide a comprehensive overview of Chandrayaan-3, its scientific and technological aspects, and the emotional journey of the scientists involved. These modules are designed to inspire self-paced learning and encourage teachers to guide students through experiential learning.
The ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ initiative aims to foster a culture of scientific thinking, innovation, and critical thinking among students, aligning with the vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It supports interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning, equipping students with versatile skills for the challenges of the 21st century.
This knowledge-sharing initiative marks a significant step towards the holistic development of every child in India. The resources provided on the ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal will serve as valuable support materials for students, teachers, educators, and school leaders, promoting innovation and contributing to India’s progress and innovation on the global stage.
The ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal and its resources are now available to students, and more modules on various topics are expected to be added in the future. The Indian education system is evolving, embracing the spirit of self-reliance and scientific curiosity.
For more information and to explore the ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal, visit here.
Credits: Press Information Bureau, New Delhi
