National Space Day 2026 was celebrated today at Pragna Bhawan's Auditorium No. 1 to encourage the younger generation about the importance of space science and technology. The event was jointly organized by the Tripura Space Applications Centre (TSAC) and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC). The event was formally inaugurated by Animesh Debbarma, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment. He said that on August 23, 2023, India created history by becoming a successful landing nation through the Chandrayaan-3 mission, and that is why that day is observed as Space Day. The successful landing of Chandrayaan-3's Vikram lander opened a new chapter in India's space research.

The Minister urged the students present at the event to develop a scientific temperament, saying that new ideas, curiosity, and imagination form the foundation of progress in science and technology. He also spoke about the contribution of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma to India's space research history. He said satellites play a major role in the development of states, benefiting sectors such as weather, agriculture, and disaster management. In 2026, ISRO launched 135 satellites. He highlighted ISRO's continued successes in space research and said humans and machines must work together. He added that although the state may be small, its dreams must be big, and the new generation must come forward with new thinking of realizing the dream of Viksit Bharat 2047.

The special guest of the event, Dr. Shyam S. Kundu, Head of SASD, NESAC, spoke about the various science-related opportunities available to students of Tripura and the wider Northeast region. He said students should think about starting their own startups. He mentioned that last year, a special initiative under NE-SPARKS was undertaken to introduce Northeast students to various opportunities and possibilities in science. Through a special initiative by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah, 800 students from the Northeast, including 100 from Tripura, visited ISRO's centre in Bengaluru. To broaden students' scientific thinking, ISRO organizes a program called Young Scientist Programme, through which school students gain enriched knowledge in. various areas of science. He also discussed in detail the use of technology in disaster management and how technology can help implement effective measures to tackle various disasters.

Chaitanya Murthy, Principal Secretary of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, said the main objective of National Space Day is to inform students about India's progress in space science and technology. In his address, he paid tribute to all Indian scientists and spoke about Chandrayaan-3. He also urged students to pursue studies in science and establish themselves in life. Mahendra Singh, Director of the Department of Science, Technology and Environment, delivered the welcome address at the event.

During the event, Animesh Debbarma, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, unveiled a souvenir titled "Geo Spectrum." Around 15 schools from the city participated in the event with their students and teachers, of which students from 13 schools took part in a quiz competition. In the quiz competition, Ramakrishna Mission School secured first place, Umakanta Academy English Medium School's students secured second place, and PM Shri Sekerkote Higher Secondary School secured third place. The prizes were presented to the winners by Science and Technology Minister Animesh Debbarma, the chief guest of the event. Additionally, he presented awards and cash prizes to the top 10 winners of the Junior Mathematics Olympiad Award 2025.