Wardha’s 44 young innovators return from ISRO tour with bigger dreams and brighter eyes

Nagpur: For 44 young school students from Wardha district, the recent journey to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Bengaluru was more than an academic visit, it was a defining moment that reshaped how they see science, technology and their own future.Pankaj Bhoyar, MoS (school education) and guardian minister of Wardha, felicitated these students — part of Wardha's Young Innovators & Science Scholars initiative — at a city hotel on Thursday.
Many of these kids had never left their district, let alone visit an airport. Thanks to the state govt's initiative, they got a chance to fly to their dream destination, ISRO. But it was what awaited them at ISRO that left a deeper imprint.Inside the space research centre, students saw detailed exhibits on Chandrayaan-1, Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya-L1 missions. They learned how satellites are designed, launched and used in real-world applications — from border security and navigation to television broadcasting and communication. Scientists explained the functioning of different satellite components and the research process behind major missions.Faraz Ahmed, a Class 9 student who had built a Piezoelectric Generator model, said the visit gave him clarity about how science translates into national progress. "Understanding how satellites actually work and how they help people was a great learning experience," Faraz said, adding that he now wants to explore space technology more seriously.Saylee Choudhary from Selu, also a Class 9 student, said interacting with scientists left a deep impression. Visiting ISRO, the Botanical Garden, and the Visvesvaraya Museum broadened her perspective. "I want to return to ISRO someday, not as a visitor but as a scientist," she said.Arvi's 12-year-old Khushi Borkar, who had showcased by building a multi-purpose solar water heater model, said the exposure strengthened her belief that innovation can solve practical problems. Hurain Fatima, 15, from Ashti, who presented a carbon purification model for industries, said witnessing advanced research facilities increased her awareness of environmental sustainability.Sakshat Suke (15), from Dhotra village, who designed a smart agriculture monitoring and control system, said the visit deepened his desire to use technology for farmers' benefit. Learning about India's space missions and upcoming projects such as Gaganyaan, made him realise the scale of scientific progress in the country.Karanja's Krishna Pathe said the interactive displays and lab visits made students feel as though they were stepping into the role of scientists. "For a moment, we felt like we were discovering something new," he said.At the felicitation ceremony in Wardha, all 44 students were presented with mementoes and certificates in the presence of parents, teachers and officials. Beyond recognition, the tour offered something more enduring, confidence.For Wardha district, educators described the initiative as a step towards building a generation that sees science not just as a subject in textbooks, but as a pathway to national development and global contribution.