In a landmark initiative aimed at bridging the educational gap and empowering tribal youth through science and technology, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, in collaboration with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), has announced the establishment of 75 “Space Labs” in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) across 19 states of India. The initiative, which falls under BPCL’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) framework, involves a financial commitment of approximately Rs 12 crore and is expected to benefit over 50,000 tribal students.
The EMRS network, established by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, provides quality residential education to Scheduled Tribe (ST) children. These schools not only offer academic instruction but also focus on nutrition, health, and overall development. At present, 470 such schools are operational across the country. The setting up of Space Labs is seen as a major step forward in integrating tribal students into the mainstream of India’s scientific and technological development, while also aligning with the broader goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasises inclusive and equitable education for all.
The Space Labs will be technically guided by space tutor agencies recognised by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Each lab will be equipped with advanced scientific instruments and educational tools designed to introduce students to the fundamentals of space science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Among the key installations will be a demo model of the LVM3 launch vehicle and Earth Observation (EO) satellite with subsystem details, static models of major Indian launch vehicles such as PSLV and HRLV, and replicas of satellites like IRNSS and GSAT. Students will also engage with table-top models explaining the solar system, lunar eclipses, moon phases, day and night cycles, and seasonal variations. Additional components will include a 150/750 mm star tracker telescope, a working model of a Cansat, and comprehensive Teaching Learning Material (TLM) kits covering science, space, and mathematics. Educational resources will be supplemented by ISRO’s space books and timeline exhibits highlighting India’s achievements in space.
Under the CSR initiative spearheaded by BPCL, the space labs will be equipped with advanced scientific apparatus and educational resources to stimulate an early interest in space science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Each Space Lab will feature demonstrative models and interactive exhibits, including:
• Launch Vehicle Models: Detailed replicas such as the LVM3 launch vehicle and EO satellite demo models complete with system details.
• Static Models: Demonstrative models of renowned launch vehicles including PSLV, HRLV, and models representing the IRNSS and GSAT series.
• Celestial Demonstrations: Table-top models illustrating the solar system, lunar eclipses, moon phases, diurnal cycles, seasonal variations, and time-zone indicators.
• Telescope and Satellite Models: Instruments like star tracker telescopes (150/750 mm) and operational Cansat models to introduce practical aspects of space research.
• Educational Kits and Exhibits: Comprehensive Space, Science, and Maths Teaching Learning Material (TLM) kits, ISRO space books, and timeline exhibits tracing India’s milestones in space exploration.
The Space Labs will be established in EMRS schools across Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, Gujarat, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Odisha, Rajasthan, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal. The goal is to spark scientific curiosity among tribal students at an early age, enabling them to consider future careers in space research, engineering, and other STEM-related fields.
By providing access to such advanced learning infrastructure, the initiative aims to nurture a new generation of innovators from tribal communities who can contribute to India’s growing ambitions in science and space exploration. It also reflects the government’s commitment to reducing educational inequality and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has the opportunity to dream big and reach for the stars.
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