Dreams Take Flight at Cosmic Fest 2025: A Day of Tears and Triumphs

On the bright morning of April 25th, dreams took flight at The Sky Explorers’ Cosmic Fest 2025. What began as a celebration of International Astronomy Day soon transformed into something much greater — a celebration of spirit, innovation, and hope.

Children from 28 schools and 8 colleges, including students with special abilities, stepped forward with hearts full of dreams and hands full of brilliant ideas in a Space Station Making and Art Competition. In a deeply moving moment, Victoria Memorial School for the Blind won hands down the Space Station-Making Competition and earned not just the top prize, but a standing ovation bringing tears to all eyes in the auditorium.

Throughout the day, vibrant art, imaginative exhibits, and wisdom from India's top space scientists wove a tapestry of inspiration. Giants from ISRO, IIST, HBCSE-TIFR, Godrej Aerospace and Skyroot reminded everyone present that the future belongs to those who dare to dream boldly.

Panelists:

Gnana Gandhi Vasudevan, (Padmashri, ex-ISRO and Sr VP of Skyroot)

Professor Dipankar Banerjee, Director of IIST.

Professor Sarita Vig, An astrophysicist from Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) in Thiruvananthapuram.

Professor Umesh R Kadhane, a Prominent Professor from IIST, Thiruvananthapuram.

Professor Aniket Sule, Associate Professor at HBCSE-TIFR.

Ashok Sindhu, DGM - Business Development, Godrej Aerospace.

Gourav Banerjee, Post Doctoral Fellow - VBO Observatory

Highlight of the day was the inspiring panel discussion, where leading scientists and industry experts discussed the future of space technology, India's growing role in space exploration and the evolution of space stations. Adding to the wonder, The Sky Explorers unveiled the breathtaking Space Station Gallery, a curated walk-through journey into the history and future of human space habitats, made possible with the generous support of Dorf Ketal. There was also a book Launch of the Book written by Gourav Banerjee ‘Mars the Celestial shows topper’. All the students received free copies of the book.

This year The Sky Explorers launched the Teachers awards for Excellence in teaching Maths & Science. Top 10 teachers were awarded for their outstanding work.

As an Official ISRO Space Tutor, The Sky Explorers are proud to light the way for the next generation of space explorers — proving once again that the sky is not the limit, but only the beginning.

Winners of the Space Station making competition - SCHOOLS

1st Prize: Victoria Memorial School for the Blind

2nd Prize: Udyanchal High School

3rd Prize: Anjuman-I-Islam CSMT and Bunt’s Sangha SM Shetty School Powai

Winners of the Space Station making competition - COLLEGES

1st Prize: Viva College

2nd Prize: Somaiya College

3rd Prize: Valia College

Winners of the Art Competition

1st Prize: Aarush Anand, Vibgyor Hight School, Malad

2nd Prize: Shayu Dingwa, Children’s Academy, Malad

3rd Prize: Dia Raghavan, Ascend International

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