Red zone to rocket science: 120 Gadchiroli pupils fly to ISRO

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Nagpur: What was once unimaginable became a historic reality for 120 tribal students from the remotest corners of the Naxal-affected Gadchiroli district, as they boarded an airplane for the first time in their lives — destination: the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) headquarters in Bengaluru.
For many, even a train journey or a visit to the district headquarters was a distant dream. On Saturday, those dreams took flight, literally.
These students, from govt-run residential schools in Sironcha, Vangepalli (Aheri) and Navegaon, belong to some of Maharashtra's most economically and geographically isolated communities. Their journey to ISRO was flagged off with pride & emotion from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport at Nagpur, as CM
Devendra Fadnavis
arrived to wish them luck.
Speaking to the students, Fadnavis said, "You are the future of this country. Study hard, dream big, and become scientists, engineers, and leaders who will take India forward." He inquired about their plans & encouraged them to absorb as much as they could during their visit. "You are not just flying to Bengaluru, you're flying towards your future," he said.
The initiative was spearheaded by Sachin Madavi, assistant commissioner (social welfare), who envisioned the visit as a transformative experience to spark scientific ambition among underprivileged tribal children.
The plan received immediate approval from district collector Avishyant Panda and financial backing from guardian minister Fadnavis & co-guardian minister Ashish Jaiswal.
Adorning school uniforms and wide smiles, the students arrived in Nagpur from Gadchiroli by bus. Dignitaries, including tribal development minister Ashok Uike, regional deputy commissioner Siddharth Gaikwad, Gadchiroli ZP CEO Suhas Gade and RDO Sunil Suryavanshi, were present for the momentous send-off.
Parents of the children, many of whom had never left their villages, were overcome with emotion. "I never thought my daughter would ever sit in an airplane, let alone go to see where satellites are built," said a father from Sironcha, tears welling in his eyes.

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