Surat, Aug 13 – Under the “Tapi ke Taare” project, 28 tribal students from 15 government schools in Gujarat’s Tapi district experienced their first-ever flight as they travelled to Chennai to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The visit left a profound impact on their ambitions and career aspirations.
The students returned to Surat airport on Wednesday, where they were warmly received by Gujarat Tribal Development and Education Minister Kuber Dindor, Forest and Environment Minister and Tapi district in-charge Mukesh Patel, along with senior district officials.
At an interactive session in the airport conference hall, the students enthusiastically recounted their experiences — from exploring rocket launch towers and vehicle assembly buildings to learning about satellite applications and space technology.
Minister Dindor described the initiative as “inspirational” and the first of its kind in Gujarat, aimed at nurturing scientific thinking among tribal youth. “Such educational tours will soon be extended to other tribal districts,” he announced, calling them “stepping stones” toward careers in science, technology, and space research. He linked the mission to India’s evolving scientific vision, citing Lal Bahadur Shastri’s ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan’, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s ‘Jai Vigyan’, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Jai Anusandhan’.
Minister Patel lauded the students as “shining examples of talent in government schools” and highlighted how the tour combined exposure to India’s space achievements with cultural experiences — from tasting Chennai’s dosas to understanding the complexities of rocket science.
The students were selected through a 100-mark test based on the Class 9 and 10 science curriculum to ensure the brightest were chosen. Calling the trip “life-changing,” they said the experience has inspired them to pursue careers in space and scientific research.
Tapi District Collector Jayantsinh Rathod and Joint Director of Information Amit Gadhvi were also present at the welcome event.
