Pilikula hosts quiz, memory and extempore competitions for World Space Week
Mangaluru, Oct. 8, 2026: Around 970 students and teachers from various high schools, pre-university and diploma colleges in Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts participated in memory, quiz and extempore speech competitions organised at Pilikula on Thursday as part of World Space Week.
The competitions were organised by the Pilikula Development Authority in collaboration with the U.R. Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), ISRO, Bengaluru.
Inaugurating the programme, retired NITK Surathkal professor Prof. G. Shrinikethan said ISRO scientists had been visiting Pilikula and interacting with students and teachers from educational institutions in the undivided Dakshina Kannada district. The interactions provide information on ISRO’s past achievements, ongoing space missions and the possibilities for future space exploration, he said.
He encouraged students to develop scientific curiosity, a research-oriented outlook and interest in innovation, stressing that there were no limits to the sky and that exploring the possibilities of space would be the responsibility of the next generation.
URSC Chairman Veerendra R. Kavi Shetty said several modern technologies, including computers, mobile phones and GPS systems, had become part of everyday life, with satellite technology playing an important role in their development and functioning.
He said space stations and research centres would be established in space in the future and urged students to develop a greater interest in science and technology from an early age and contribute to ISRO and the space sector through new ideas and enthusiasm.
Pilikula Development Authority Commissioner Dr. Arun Kumar Shetty N., who presided over the programme, said it was encouraging to see thousands of students visiting Pilikula to learn about space despite the government having declared Dasara holidays.
He said the increasing impact of natural disasters on humanity highlighted the need for further scientific research into disaster forecasting, management and mitigation.
Describing Pilikula as a destination combining science, nature, environment, culture and tourism, he urged students to visit its various attractions, learn about them and become ambassadors of Pilikula by introducing its features to their schools, colleges and communities.
Later, Dr. C.S. Madhusudana, Deputy Director, U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, ISRO, delivered a lecture on ‘Rocket Revolution’ and interacted with the students.
Memory, quiz and extempore speech competitions were conducted for the students. During the prize distribution ceremony, students shared their experiences, and prizes were presented to the winners.
Dr. Ashok K.R., Director, Regional Science Centre, welcomed the gathering, while Sharath Kumar, Technical Officer, URSC, proposed the vote of thanks. Vandana Pramod Kumar compered the programme.
