Gujarat tribal girl, 16, among 20 Indians chosen for Mission ShaktiSAT
Synopsis
A Class 11 student from a tribal village in Gujarat's Mahisagar district has beaten thousands of candidates to land a spot among just 20 Indian students in Mission ShaktiSAT — a real satellite project involving a Moon lander and Moon orbiter. Her journey from Padhara village to an international workshop in Greater Noida, with a potential ISRO visit ahead, is a striking example of what Eklavya residential schools can unlock for India's tribal youth.
Key Takeaways
Vipa Bariya from Padhara village, Mahisagar district, Gujarat is one of 20 students nationwide selected for Mission ShaktiSAT .
She is the only female student selected from Gujarat for the mission.
Mission ShaktiSAT, organised by Space Kidz India , engaged around 12,000 female students from 108 countries .
Vipa attended a 10-day workshop at Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida from 22–31 August , receiving hands-on satellite training.
She is scheduled to attend a Viasat space technology event in New Delhi from 26–28 October and may visit ISRO's Sriharikota centre .
The mission involves two satellites — one to land on the Moon's surface, another to orbit it.
Vipa Bariya, a Class 11 student from Padhara village in Kadana taluka of Mahisagar district, Gujarat, has been selected as one of 20 students from across India for Mission ShaktiSAT, a satellite technology initiative that gave her hands-on training in satellite coding, design, and assembly. She is the only female student selected from Gujarat for the mission, which was organised by Space Kidz India and drew around 12,000 female students from 108 countries.
About Mission ShaktiSAT
Mission ShaktiSAT is a space science programme designed to introduce young students — particularly girls — to real-world satellite technology. The initiative involves two satellites: one intended to land on the Moon's surface and another to orbit it. Vipa completed all 21 modules comprising 550 lessons during the first phase of the competition, finishing within the stipulated time with guidance from her schoolteachers.
The International Workshop at Greater Noida
As part of the programme, Vipa attended a 10-day international workshop at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, from 22 to 31 August. There, she received practical training in satellite coding, design, and assembly alongside participants from other countries. She was also presented with a special award and trophy at the event.
'I have been interested in space science and satellite technology since childhood. Being selected for Mission ShaktiSAT and getting the opportunity to visit ISRO feels like a dream come true,' Vipa said.
What Comes Next for Vipa
Vipa is scheduled to participate in a space technology event organised by Viasat in New Delhi from 26 to 28 October. She may also get an opportunity to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) space centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, after the satellite launch date is finalised.
Notably, Vipa studies in the Science stream at Eklavya Model Residential School in Vejalpur, near Godhra — a school that provides education to students from tribal communities, including those in remote areas. She aspires to become a pilot or an astronaut.
Family, Mentors, and the Bigger Picture
Her father, Gulabbhai Bariya, a primary school teacher who teaches Mathematics and Environmental Studies to Classes 3 to 5, has encouraged her interest in space science. Her schoolteacher and mentor, Deepika Sharma, has also played a key role in nurturing her skills and ambitions.
The Gujarat government said the achievement aligns with efforts to improve educational opportunities for tribal children in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'. Under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Tribal Development Minister Naresh Patel, the state's Tribal Development Department is implementing schemes aimed at improving the quality of education and access to modern learning facilities for tribal students. Vipa's selection illustrates how Eklavya Model Residential Schools are opening pathways to specialised STEM fields for students from remote tribal regions.
Point of View
Which could influence how tribal education budgets are justified and allocated going forward.
NationPress
15 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mission ShaktiSAT?
Mission ShaktiSAT is a space science initiative organised by Space Kidz India that brought together around 12,000 female students from 108 countries to learn satellite coding, design, and assembly. The mission involves two satellites — one intended to land on the Moon's surface and another to orbit it.
Who is Vipa Bariya and why is her selection significant?
Vipa Bariya is a Class 11 Science student at Eklavya Model Residential School in Vejalpur, near Godhra, from a tribal village in Gujarat's Mahisagar district. She is the only female student selected from Gujarat among the 20 students chosen nationwide for Mission ShaktiSAT, making her achievement notable both for her community and for tribal STEM education broadly.
What training did Vipa receive as part of the programme?
Vipa attended a 10-day international workshop at Gautam Buddha University in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, from 22 to 31 August, where she received hands-on training in satellite coding, design, and assembly alongside participants from other countries. She also completed all 21 modules — comprising 550 lessons — in the first phase of the competition.
What are Vipa's upcoming opportunities in the space programme?
Vipa is scheduled to participate in a space technology event organised by Viasat in New Delhi from 26 to 28 October. She may also get the opportunity to visit ISRO's space centre at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh once the satellite launch date is confirmed.
What is the Eklavya Model Residential School where Vipa studies?
Eklavya Model Residential Schools are government-run institutions that provide education to students from tribal communities, including those in remote areas of India. Vipa's school is located in Vejalpur, near Godhra in Gujarat, and the Gujarat government has linked its work to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Viksit Bharat 2047' vision.
