TechnoSchool Launches Global Aerosports Initiative to Introduce Aerospace Education in Schools

Chennai: TechnoSchool has launched Global Aerosports, an initiative aimed at introducing school students to aerospace education through hands-on learning and practical exposure.

The initiative was launched by Indian space scientist Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Chairman of the Curriculum Design Committee for School Education, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of other dignitaries.

Global Aerosports will focus on areas including aeromodelling, rocketry, drone technology, space technology and astronomy. The programme is designed to provide students with opportunities to learn through experimentation, design, problem-solving and innovation alongside conventional classroom education.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Mylswamy Annadurai, Padma Shri awardee and popularly known as the ‘Moon Man of India’, highlighted the importance of lifelong learning, practical exposure and skill development for young people.

He said that India’s aerospace sector has reached a stage where the country’s capabilities are recognised globally, creating opportunities for young people. He also stressed the need for skilled human resources, appropriate infrastructure and greater exposure to STEM and emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.

Dr. Annadurai recalled that opportunities to gain first-hand exposure to space and aerospace were limited during his younger years, and said that visits to ISRO and NOVAS helped broaden his understanding of the possibilities in the field.

He emphasised that students should move beyond rote learning and develop analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities and practical experience. He also said that the experience of senior professionals and the ideas and energy of young people should come together to support India’s future development.

In his concluding remarks, Dr. Annadurai said that the impact created through knowledge is more important than recognition and that science should contribute to the progress of humanity.

Dr. M. R. K. Menon, Founder and Chief Mentor, Global Aero Sports, said students should be given exposure to emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, drones, robotics, rocketry and aerospace so that they can identify areas that interest them.

He said career guidance should not be limited to telling students what they should pursue, but should also provide opportunities for them to explore different fields through learning and experimentation.

Dr. Menon also noted the need to expand aerospace, rocketry and robotics education to rural schools, where students with an interest in science and technology can be identified and supported at an early stage.

He highlighted the role of teachers in expanding the reach of such programmes and referred to the Aerospace Ambassador Programme, under which trained teachers take aerospace-related knowledge to students.

According to Dr. Menon, the initiative includes a weekend certificate programme designed to complement regular schooling. A full-term programme is also being developed in collaboration with the government.

The programme will also include career assessment, counselling and SWOT-based assessment to help students understand their strengths and make informed decisions about their future.

Dr. Menon also appreciated TechnoSchool for bringing Dr. G. Madhavan Nair, former ISRO Chairman and Distinguished Space Scientist, on board as Chief Advisor for its curriculum.

Jeba Selvan, CEO and Founder, TechnoSchool, said the initiative represents an expansion of the organisation’s technology education efforts into aerospace.

He said aerospace education brings together areas such as rocketry, drones, aeroscience, satellite technology and astronomy, and that students should have opportunities to experience and experiment with these subjects at the school level.

Selvan said the focus would be on encouraging students to think about what they can create, discover, solve and contribute, rather than focusing only on career choices.

James Selvaraj, Operations Manager, TechnoSchool UAE, said TechnoSchool has worked for the past 20 years to make ICT education accessible and affordable to students across different backgrounds and schools.

He said the organisation follows a methodology based on four pillars — Teaching, Learning, Verification and Assessment — to evaluate different stages of the learning process and reinforce students’ understanding of concepts.

He added that teachers are also included in the learning process and are equipped to support student learning.

According to Selvaraj, the organisation follows defined standard operating procedures and a consistent delivery framework across different schools and learning environments.