Indian Space Research Organisation is organising a special programme for School Children called “Young Scientist Programme” “YUva VIgyani KAryakram” , YUVIKA, to impart basic knowledge on Space Technology, Space Science and Space Applications to the younger students with a preference to rural areas.
The programme is aimed at creating awareness about the emerging trends in science and technology amongst the youngsters, who are the future building blocks of our nation.
It has chalked out this programme to “Catch them young”.The programme is also expected to encourage more students to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based research /career.
The YUVIKA – 2022 residential programme will be of two weeks duration during summer holidays from May 16 to May 28 of this year and the schedule will include invited talks, experience sharing by the eminent scientists, experimental demonstration, facility and lab visits, exclusive sessions for discussions with experts, practical and feedback sessions.
The programme aims to select 150 students across the country, who are studying in class IX as on March 01, 2022 in a school located within the territory of India.
The selection of participants will be on the basis of a few parameters, including marks obtained in Class 8 examination, and participation in science fairs (school or district or state & above level organised by school or district or state or Central government authority) in the last three years. Prize in Olympiad or Science competitions and equivalent (1 to 3 rank in the last 3 years at school or district or state & above level) in the last three years. Winner of sports competitions conducted by School or Government or Institutions or Registered Sports federation (1 to 3 rank in the last 3 years at school or district or state & above level) in the last three years. Winner of online games will not be considered. Member of Scout and guides or NCC or NSS in the last three years. Performance in online quiz. A special weightage to students studying in schools located in panchayat areas will be provided.
The programme is planned at five centres of ISRO viz. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram, U. R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), Bengaluru, Space Application Centre (SAC), Ahmedabad, National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad and North-East Space Application Centre (NE-SAC), Shillong.
A minimum participation will be ensured from each State or union territory.
Towards the end of the project, students will be taken to visit Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Expenditure towards the travel of student (II AC fare by train from nearest Rly Station to the reporting centre and back), course material, lodging and boarding etc., during the entire course will be borne by ISRO. II AC train fare will also be provided to one guardian or parent for drop and pick up of student from the reporting centre. In case the student or parent has not availed the II AC train, the reimbursement of fare will be limited to II AC train fare.