An exceptional educational program dedicated to the launch of the First Artificial Earth Satellite, “Sputnik-1,” and the commencement of International Space Week was hosted at the Russian House in New Delhi. Organised in collaboration with the Nehru Planetarium, the event was designed to inspire Indian students by immersing them in the rich history of space exploration.

The program featured a comprehensive Roscosmos exhibition that showcased Russian cosmodromes, alongside a unique exhibition by TASS dedicated to Rakesh Sharma, India’s first cosmonaut. Children were captivated by the vivid displays and artefacts, offering them a glimpse into the fascinating world of space exploration.
To add a personal touch to the event, Russian cosmonaut Mr. Andrei Fedyaev shared a special video message, addressing the children and encouraging them to explore careers in space sciences. The video was followed by a documentary on the operations of the Cosmonaut Training Center in Star City, which provided a behind-the-scenes look at how cosmonauts are trained for their missions.

In a delightful interactive session, students participated in a space-themed quiz and engaged in blitz questions with experts in the field. Mr. Yevgeny Pakhomov, head of the TASS bureau in India, and Mr. Pavel Belevantsev, an aircraft and cosmonautics specialist, fielded the children’s inquisitive questions, sparking their curiosity further.
Dr. Prerna Chandra from the Nehru Planetarium delivered an insightful presentation on Russian-Indian cooperation in space, highlighting key joint initiatives that have brought both nations closer in their shared goal of advancing space science. The presentation served as an educational cornerstone for the students,demonstrating the significance of collaboration in space exploration.

The program concluded with the Indian premiere of the acclaimed film, “Gagarin. Embracing the Earth.” The film offered a poignant portrayal of Yuri Gagarin, the first human in space, inspiring the young audience with the history of humanity’s journey beyond Earth.

The event was not only a celebration of space history but also a call to the future generation to dream big, work hard, and look towards the stars. Drawings prepared by the students, honouring the legacy of Russian cosmonautics, were a fitting tribute to the spirit of exploration.

This initiative by the Russian House and Nehru Planetarium continues to build bridges between India and Russia, nurturing a new generation of space enthusiasts who will contribute to the ever-growing field of space research.