Dharmendra Pradhan Launches ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ Web Portal with Mission Chandrayaan-3 Support Materials

New Delhi, October 17, 2023: The Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, unveiled the ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal today, aimed at fostering scientific curiosity and educational engagement among school students in light of Mission Chandrayaan-3. The web portal, developed by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) under the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education, offers an array of activity-based support materials, including quizzes and puzzles, designed to inspire the next generation of scientists.

In a significant stride towards educational enhancement, Pradhan also released ten special modules shedding light on various aspects of Chandrayaan-3, spanning the scientific, technological, and social spheres. The event featured Chairman of ISRO and Secretary of the Department of Space, Dr. Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, who graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

The gathering in New Delhi witnessed the presence of several dignitaries, including Secretary of the Department of School Education & Literacy, Sanjay Kumar, and Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, K Sanjay Murthy. Also in attendance were students, educators, and officials from the Ministry of Education, all coming together to celebrate India’s achievements in space exploration and encourage scientific learning.

Pradhan, in his address, emphasized the profound significance of Chandrayaan-3’s success, stating that it ranks among the most noteworthy accomplishments of the 21st century. He called for the development of a web portal app to enhance accessibility, enabling self-learning for students and igniting their interest in technology. Chandrayaan-3, he said, has not only inspired students but has also nurtured a culture of scientific curiosity and innovation.

The Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision in revising space policies, driving India towards self-reliance. He further suggested collaboration between NCERT and organizations like ISRO to make education more accessible, affordable, and of higher quality, with a focus on gender parity.

Dr. Somanath commended Pradhan’s initiative to bring the stories of Chandrayaan to young students, emphasizing that India achieved the Chandrayaan-3 mission using indigenous technology. He encouraged students to watch the Gaganyaan launch on October 21, 2023, at 0800 hrs, and to embrace critical thinking as a path to becoming researchers.

Sanjay Kumar shared how Pradhan’s suggestions had led to the development of age-specific modules on Chandrayaan-3. He underlined the potential for more such modules on India’s significant achievements and the enrichment of educational content in various languages. The new materials will be available until August 23, 2024, in all 22 Indian languages.

The ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal introduces coloring books, online quizzes, puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, picture builders, and graphic novels, offering an interactive and engaging educational experience. Digital certificates will be awarded to those scoring over 70%, with the first 1000 winners receiving age-appropriate books.

In addition to this, the ten special modules encompass diverse aspects of Chandrayaan-3’s success, aiming to motivate Indian youth to delve deeper into science and technology. These modules include stories, cases, quiz questions, and activities, fostering self-paced learning among students and providing guidance to teachers.

NCERT’s vision is to inspire today’s students in the domains of science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics, promoting skills that encourage innovation and critical thinking. More creative activities are planned for the future to enrich students’ learning experiences and to propel India towards greater heights in the 21st century.

The launch of the ‘Apna Chandrayaan’ web portal, along with these innovative modules, marks a crucial step in nurturing scientific temper, promoting interdisciplinary learning, and ultimately contributing to India’s progress on the global stage as ‘Vishwa Guru.’ These educational resources will benefit students, teachers, educators, and school leaders, enabling the holistic development of every child.

For further information, please visit the web portal at bharatonthemoon.ncert.gov.in.