NEW DELHI: In a bid to raise the scientific temper of children and youth, PM Narendra Modi, in his monthly radio programme ‘ Mann Ki Baat ’ on Sunday, said that Indian Space Research Organisation ( Isro ) has recently started an initiative that allows children to watch rocket launches from the Sriharikota launch centre.Earlier, only space scientists were allowed to go to the spaceport situated on an island in Andhra Pradesh. He also praised Isro’s ‘ Yuvika programme ’ and said the space agency is doing a commendable job in connecting the youth of the country with space science.“Now, students and youths can go to Sriharikota to watch the launch of a rocket in front of them. The complex has been opened for all. You can watch the launch from the visitor’s gallery, which can accommodate 10,000 people, and you can book your visit tickets online from the Isro website.”The PM said that in today’s time the interest of our children and youth in space and technology is continously increasing. “The launch of record satellites in space (104 satellites were launched on February 15, 2017), new records and new missions are making Indians proud. When I was in Bengaluru for the Chandrayaan-2 mission, students who came there to watch the event ( moon-landing of Vikram lander) were very excited. (Even in the dead of night) they were not feeling sleepy and remained awake the entire night. I can’t forget the excitment they had for science, technology and innovation,” he said.Hailing Isro’s ‘ Yuvika programme’ in Mann Ki Baat, he said, “The programme was launched for schoolchildren in 2019. Yuvika means Yuva Vigyani Karyakram. This initiative is in accordance with our Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Science and Jai Research. Through this programme, students during holidays after their exams can go to different centres of Isro and learn about space technology, space science and space applications.”Under the programme, a group of selected students from across the country is taken to different Isro centres in Benglauru, Thiruvananthapuram and Sriharikota to show them space activities. They are also given an opportunity to make small satellites in Isro labs and allowed to interact with eminent space scientists to raise their scientific temper.