Indian Space Journey Begins With Teachers, Says Isro Scientist Veeramuthuvel
Indian space journey does not begin at launchpads or research labs but inside classrooms where teachers lay the foundation of scientific thinking, said Isro scientist P Veeramuthuvel during a convocation ceremony in Chennai. Addressing graduating students at the 12th convocation of Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University, he stressed that India’s progress in space science is closely linked to the dedication and influence of teachers across generations.
Veeramuthuvel explained that the scientific principles that guide space missions are first introduced in schools, where curiosity is shaped and discipline is formed. He said that while space missions deliver results that the nation celebrates, teachers quietly build the mindset and values that make such achievements possible. According to him, the success of teaching cannot be measured immediately but is reflected years later in the work and character of students.
The convocation ceremony saw more than seventy-seven thousand students receiving degrees and medals. The event was presided over by the Governor and Chancellor of the university, RN Ravi, while Veeramuthuvel attended as the chief guest. The occasion highlighted the importance of teacher education in shaping future generations.
Indian Space Journey Linked to Strong Educational Foundations
Veeramuthuvel said the Indian space journey stands as proof of what consistent learning and mentorship can achieve over time. He noted that concepts like Newton’s laws of motion, once taught in classrooms, later guide complex missions such as spacecraft landings on distant celestial bodies. He reminded the graduating teachers that they would play a role in shaping not only academic knowledge but also judgement, responsibility, and purpose among students.![]()
![]()
He described teaching as one of the most demanding professions, requiring patience and long-term commitment. According to him, teachers rarely see immediate outcomes, but their influence continues long after formal education ends. He told the graduates that even when certificates are forgotten, the values they pass on would continue to influence society in many forms.
Speaking about India’s future plans, Veeramuthuvel referred to upcoming space ambitions, including the development of an Indian space station and a human mission to the Moon by 2040. He said these goals would require not just advanced technology but a steady supply of skilled and motivated individuals nurtured through education.
Indian Space Journey Expands With New Opportunities for Students
Veeramuthuvel said the Indian space journey is entering a new phase due to reforms in the space sector that allow private companies, academic institutions, and startups to participate in space activities. He explained that students today have more opportunities than ever before to work on rockets, satellites, and space applications, even outside traditional government institutions.

He encouraged future teachers to make students aware of these possibilities and guide them toward careers that combine innovation with responsibility. According to him, education should not only prepare students for examinations but also help them understand their role in national development.
He also highlighted the importance of ethical thinking in scientific progress. While technology can answer questions, he said teachers help students understand why and how those answers should be used. He urged the graduates to see teaching as a lifelong responsibility rather than just a profession.
View this post on Instagram
The event concluded with a message that teachers are the unseen force behind many of India’s proud achievements. By shaping minds early, they contribute silently to advancements that later gain national and global recognition. Also Read: CM Stalin Opens Memorial Hall in Sivaganga: 1 Event That Revives Shared History
Conclusion
The Indian space journey, as described by Isro scientist Veeramuthuvel, is rooted in classrooms and guided by teachers who build knowledge, values, and purpose over time. As India looks toward ambitious space goals, the role of educators remains central in shaping the minds that will carry the nation forward.

