Agartala, September 01, 2025: In a bid to nurture scientific curiosity among young minds in remote tribal areas, a space education library has been inaugurated at East Raitwisa Darlong Para High School in Unakoti district.

The unique facility showcases scaled models of India’s landmark space missions, including SLV Mark-II, PSLV, GSLV, Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan and the Solar Mission. Students also have access to pre-recorded lectures on space science.

“Our main objective is to let students visualise India’s space journey — from carrying rockets on bicycles to launching human missions. We want to fuel their interest in space education,” said Kumarghat Block Development Officer (BDO) Sudip Bhowmik.

The library, developed with funds from the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj under the Nanaji Deshmukh Sarbottam Panchayat Satat Vikash Puraskar, houses over 100 books and magazines on astronomy, astrophysics, and the lives of Indian space scientists. According to Bhowmik, children from nearby schools are also visiting the centre to gain firsthand exposure to space science.

To complement the initiative, the school now features a smart classroom equipped with a digital panel, podium, and training chairs, all powered by a 5 kW solar system. “The school does not use conventional electricity. From lights and fans to the audio system, everything runs on solar power,” Bhowmik added.

The impact is already visible. According to teacher Ringampar Halam, student enrollment has surged from 67 in 2024-25 to 201 in the current academic year. “Fifty-seven students who earlier studied in private English medium schools have joined our school because of the improved facilities,” he said.

East Raitwisa Village Committee, home to over 800 tribal families including Tripuri, Garo, Reang, Halam, and Darlong communities has been witnessing the transformation. Committee in-charge Mrinal Majumder highlighted the school’s consistent performance: “Last year, we recorded 100% success in Class 10 board exams. Quality education free of cost is motivating parents to bring their children here.”

With these efforts, the Kumarghat Block Advisory Committee aims to turn the school into a centre of excellence, instilling scientific temperament while offering hope for a brighter future to tribal students in one of Tripura’s remotest corners.