Bharath University Inaugurates Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov Aero Space Research Lab at its Campus

• For the first time in India, Russian Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov visited Bharath University Campus
• Cosmonaut Salizhan to nurture and train 5 best students every year from the University for future Space Research activities.

Chennai : Bharath University (Bharath Institute of Higher Education and Research) inaugurated its new, state of the art – Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov Aerospace Research Lab at its campus today.

On behalf of National Science Day Celebrations, Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov for the first time in India made a special visit to Bharath University and inaugurated the Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov Aerospace Research lab at the campus. The ceremony began with the lighting of kuthuvilaku by Chief Guest Cosmonaut Salizhan, Guest of Honor – His Excellency Mr. Sergey Kotov, Consul General of Russian Federation in South India along with Dr J Sundeep Aanand, President – Bharath University, Dr Swetha Sundeep Aanand, Managing Director, Bharath University, and Dr M Ponnavaikko, Vice-Chancellor, Bharath University in the presence of other dignitaries, faculties, staffs and students.

Delivering the Chief Guest address, Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov, said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be present in one of the best globalized higher education institute. I am very very happy to meet the students and all the faculties. The research papers presented by the students are really outstanding. I am glad to associate with the university to create a talent platform where I will be sharing my knowledge with 5 best students in space research activities. The students will be trained and nurtured with skills that will greatly benefit them in future.”

Speaking on the occasion, Dr J Sundeep Aanand, President - Bharath University, said,” I am extremely delighted to welcome our special chief guest Cosmonaut Salizhan and His Excellency – Mr. Sergey kotov. Thank you for accepting our invitation and taking out your time to be here amongst all of us on this special occasion. We at Bharath University believe in swelling regional as well as global demand with high−quality programs for our students. Launching the new Aerospace Research lab is one such step ahead to involve the creation of knowledge via research‚ scholarship and other creative activities.”

Congratulating the team at Bharath University, His Excellency Mr. Sergey Kotov - Consul General of Russian Federation in South India said how institutions like Bharath University should come forward and launch such facilities in the campus. He added, “By inaugurating the aerospace research lab, the university has reached next level in knowledge creation and encourage practical learning process for students and scholars. I wish the team and students a great success.”

Dr M Ponnavaikko, Vice-Chancellor, Bharath University, highlighted on the recent achievements and recognition by the University. He added, “Bharath University has always been at the forefront in bringing out-of-the box ideas for its students. The aerospace lab will encourage and support funding and scholarship needs for students and scholars in research activities. We would also like to thank Mr Salizhan Sharipov for associating with Bharath University and coming forward to sponsor 5 of our best students for their space research activities.”

The session also witnessed a one minute biographical film on Cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov followed by certificate distribution to all the participants and prizes to the winners. The additional surprise came in when it was announced that the winning team will be taken for a trip to Research Centre at Russia. A memento was given to Space Kids for associating and helping with necessary needs for organizing the event. Overall the event was a grand success and concluded in a picture perfect manner.