Pune Zilla Parishad Sends 50 Rural Students To ISRO For Science Exposure TourÂ
Pune Zilla Parishad Sends 50 Rural Students To ISRO For Science Exposure TourÂ
Pune, October 8, 2025: A group of 50 bright students from rural Zilla Parishad schools in Pune district have embarked on an educational study tour to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. The tour is organized under the District Planning Fund exclusively for students of Classes VI and VII from Zilla Parishad primary schools.
This innovative educational initiative has been conceptualized under the visionary leadership of Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Parishad, Pune, Gajanan Patil, and Education Officer (Primary) Sanjay Naikde.
Over 17,000 students had applied for this unique opportunity. Following three stages of rigorous selection tests, top-performing students were chosen for various educational tours:
- 25 students will visit NASA,
- 50 students are currently on the ISRO educational tour,
- 50 students will soon depart for Delhi, and
- 100 students will visit Mumbai for similar educational exposure.
- The ISRO visit is scheduled from October 6 to 9, 2025, covering key scientific and research centers such as:
- Thumba Rocket Launching Centre,
ISRO Headquarters, and other science and technology learning sites in Thiruvananthapuram.
To guide and mentor the students during the tour, scientists from IUCAA (Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics) are accompanying the group, providing valuable insights into space science and research.
The group includes 25 boys and 25 girls, accompanied by 6 teachers, 2 representatives from the tour agency, and education department officials — Extension Officer Mr. Chandrakant Ugale and Deputy Education Officer Mr. Sunil Gache.
For most of these students, the Pune–Thiruvananthapuram flight marks their first-ever air travel experience, adding immense excitement and pride to this educational journey.
Before departure, students were briefed at Pune Airport on flight safety, boarding procedures, and travel etiquette. Santosh Dhoke, the Airport Director, along with representatives from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), and IndiGo Airlines, were present to see off the young scientists.
This initiative stands as a shining example of Pune Zilla Parishad’s commitment to promoting scientific curiosity and nurturing young minds from rural areas, inspiring the next generation of innovators and researchers who will contribute to India’s progress in science and technology.
