The World Space Week 2025 celebrations, organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), were conducted at four locations across the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu. In Tamil Nadu, the celebrations were held at Paavai Educational Institutions, Namakkal, on October 8 and 9, 2025, with the global theme “Living in Space.”
Inaugural Function – October 8, 2025
The two-day event began with an invocation and Tamil Thaai Vazhthu, followed by the lighting of the traditional lamp by Smt. Mangai Natarajan, Correspondent of Paavai Institutions, along with the dignitaries. The function was presided over by Shri. CA. N. V. Natarajan, Founder and Chairman of Paavai Educational Institutions.
Dr. M. Premkumar, Principal of Paavai Engineering College, welcomed the gathering.
Shri. T. Subbanathan, Additional General Manager, SOSE, SDSC SHAR, and Chairman of the Namakkal District ISRO Subcommittee, delivered the introductory address, highlighting the objectives and importance of World Space Week.
The District Collector of Namakkal, Smt. Durgamoorthi, IAS, delivered the special address, commending ISRO for bringing space awareness programs to school students. She said,
“It is a remarkable initiative that more than 15 scientists from ISRO have come to Namakkal District to educate school students about space. Scientists like you are the reason India stands on par with other nations in space exploration. The science exhibition organized by ISRO during this Space Week will be very useful for students.”
In his presidential address, Chairman Shri. CA. N. V. Natarajan emphasized the importance of nurturing young minds, saying,
“If we guide young minds on the right path, they will achieve far greater things than we imagine. ISRO organizing this event for school students is highly commendable. The theme ‘Can we live in space after 100 years?’ encourages creative thinking and technological curiosity among students.”
ISRO Deputy Director Shri. J. Damodaram addressed the audience, stressing the need for awareness of space research. He spoke about India’s achievements through missions like Aryabhata, Chandrayaan, and Gaganyaan, and highlighted ongoing projects such as Aditya-L1 and the Women’s Space Program. He also urged students to cultivate the habit of reading and keeping abreast of scientific developments.
The inaugural function concluded with a vote of thanks by Shri. A. Vaidhyanathan, Range Operations Manager at ISRO.
The session was attended by district education officers, directors, principals, heads of departments, professors, teachers, and students from various government and private schools across Namakkal District.
Valedictory Function – October 9, 2025
The valedictory function of the World Space Week was also held at Paavai Educational Institutions, Namakkal, under the presidentship of Shri. CA. N. V. Natarajan, Founder and Chairman of Paavai Educational Institutions. The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. S. Kannappan, Director of School Education, Tamil Nadu.
Dr. R. R. Krishnamurthy, Director (Research) of Paavai Educational Institutions, welcomed the gathering.
Shri. T. Subbanathan, Additional General Manager of the Namakkal District ISRO Subcommittee, presented a brief on the highlights and impact of the two-day celebration.
Delivering his special address, Dr. S. Kannappan remarked,
“Education alone can dispel the darkness of ignorance and help us understand the world through the light of knowledge. Over the past two days, around 5,000 students from government and private schools benefited by participating in the exhibitions and competitions organized by ISRO. Such practical learning experiences kindle creativity and innovation among young learners.”
Dr. M. Selvam, Principal of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Namakkal, also addressed the gathering.
Later, certificates and prizes were distributed to the winners of various competitions conducted during the Space Week.
The valedictory session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. K. K. Ramasamy, Director – Admin, Paavai Educational Institutions, marking the successful end of the two-day event
During both the inaugural and valedictory sessions, dignitaries and special guests were felicitated with mementos and shawls as a token of appreciation.
Chairman Shri. CA. N. V. Natarajan and Correspondent Smt. Mangai Natarajan jointly honored District Collector Smt. Durgamoorthi, IAS, ISRO Deputy Director Shri. J. Damodaram, Director of School Education Dr. S. Kannappan, Chief Educational Officer Mrs. P. Maheswari, and DIET Principal Dr. M. Selvam for their participation and contribution to the celebrations.
Smt. Mangai Natarajan, Correspondent of Paavai Educational Institutions, also delivered the felicitation address, appreciating ISRO’s initiative and encouraging students to make the most of such opportunities for learning beyond classrooms.
Conclusion
The World Space Week 2025 celebrations at Paavai Educational Institutions, Namakkal, organized in collaboration with ISRO, provided a dynamic platform for students to explore and understand space science and technology.
With inspiring speeches, exhibitions, and competitions, the two-day program successfully ignited scientific curiosity among young learners and fostered a spirit of innovation and exploration — echoing ISRO’s mission to inspire the next generation to reach for the stars.
