Bhandara: The excitement was palpable and smiles writ large on the faces of approximately 40 schoolgirls from underprivileged communities in remote Bhandara villages when they embarked on their first-ever air travel during a state-sponsored educational visit to Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Monday. For most, this journey represents their first experience beyond the district’s boundaries.
Social welfare officer Sachin Madavi said, “These girls come from such remote areas that they have never even seen a train, let alone travelled by one. Taking them to Isro by air is more than just a trip — it’s about broadening their horizons and inspiring them to dream big.”
Though the Isro excursion was previously arranged, authorities opted for air transport instead of railway travel.
The students hail from a government residential institution for scheduled caste and neo-Buddhist in Rajedhegaon. When discussions regarding their visit to Isro’s Sriharikota facility arose, Madavi proposed enhancing travel arrangements.
The initiative received backing from district guardian minister Sanjay Savkare and district collector Sanjay Kolte, who handled the administrative procedures. On Monday morning, local MLA Narendra Bhondekar and Kolte flagged off the journey as the girls departed by bus to Gondia airport, proceeding to Hyderabad and Chennai. Their final leg to Sriharikota will be by road. “This initiative is a game-changer,” said Bhondekar.
Kolte highlighted the visit’s importance. “A trip to an institution like Isro will help these students develop a scientific mindset. It’s an opportunity to ignite curiosity and ambition,” he said.
“It boosts confidence of government school students and prepares them to compete with their peers from private institutions. I’m confident that in the coming years, we’ll see a surge in admissions to government schools like this one,” Bhondekar added.
The occasion was particularly moving as parents assembled at the district collector’s office to bid farewell to their daughters. Many parents turned emotional, shedding tears of joy, as their children prepared for an air journey — an experience previously unimaginable for most families.
Social welfare officer Sachin Madavi said, “These girls come from such remote areas that they have never even seen a train, let alone travelled by one. Taking them to Isro by air is more than just a trip — it’s about broadening their horizons and inspiring them to dream big.”
Though the Isro excursion was previously arranged, authorities opted for air transport instead of railway travel.
The students hail from a government residential institution for scheduled caste and neo-Buddhist in Rajedhegaon. When discussions regarding their visit to Isro’s Sriharikota facility arose, Madavi proposed enhancing travel arrangements.
The initiative received backing from district guardian minister Sanjay Savkare and district collector Sanjay Kolte, who handled the administrative procedures. On Monday morning, local MLA Narendra Bhondekar and Kolte flagged off the journey as the girls departed by bus to Gondia airport, proceeding to Hyderabad and Chennai. Their final leg to Sriharikota will be by road. “This initiative is a game-changer,” said Bhondekar.
Kolte highlighted the visit’s importance. “A trip to an institution like Isro will help these students develop a scientific mindset. It’s an opportunity to ignite curiosity and ambition,” he said.
“It boosts confidence of government school students and prepares them to compete with their peers from private institutions. I’m confident that in the coming years, we’ll see a surge in admissions to government schools like this one,” Bhondekar added.
The occasion was particularly moving as parents assembled at the district collector’s office to bid farewell to their daughters. Many parents turned emotional, shedding tears of joy, as their children prepared for an air journey — an experience previously unimaginable for most families.
