On 10th October 2025, the Russian Centre of Science and Culture, New Delhi, transformed into a beacon of international cooperation as SPACE India, in collaboration with the Russian House, hosted the landmark event “Meet the Cosmonaut: Denis Matveev.” Held under the Official National Celebrations of World Space Week 2025, themed “Living in Space,” the event stood as a shining tribute to the enduring Indo-Russian partnership in space exploration and scientific exchange.
Gathering more than 250 participants — including students, educators, scientists, and dignitaries — the event offered a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to interact with Cosmonaut Denis Matveev, Pilot-Cosmonaut of the Russian Federation and Hero of the International Space Station (ISS). The encounter served as a bridge between generations, inspiring young Indians while celebrating decades of collaboration that have shaped the nation’s space journey.
The programme began with a solemn tribute ceremony at the commemorative plaque within the Russian House, honouring pioneers of global space exploration. The ceremony was led by Ms Elena Remizova, Director of the Russian House, and graced by Mr Denis Matveev, Mr Igor Koreshev, Head of the International Department at the Cosmonauts Training Centre, and Dr Sachin Bahmba, Founder and CMD of SPACE India, along with distinguished representatives from ISRO, Russian space organisations, and Nehru Planetarium. The floral tributes laid during the ceremony symbolised decades of scientific camaraderie and the shared aspiration for peaceful exploration of space.
What followed was the heart of the celebration — an interactive session with Cosmonaut Denis Matveev that transported the audience beyond Earth’s horizon. Through captivating narratives, he shared personal experiences from his missions aboard the International Space Station, describing life in microgravity, the challenges of long-duration expeditions, and the international cooperation that defines space exploration today. His reflections offered a rare window into the human side of spaceflight — where technology meets endurance, and science meets spirit.
The atmosphere was electric during the Q&A session, as curious students posed thoughtful questions about astronaut training, mission safety, the future of Mars exploration, and the evolving frontiers of human spaceflight. Their enthusiasm reflected the event’s very essence — transforming fascination into inspiration, and inspiration into ambition.
In his address, Dr. Sachin Bahmba shared the remarkable journey of SPACE India, which for over two decades has championed astronomy and STEM education across the nation. He emphasised the importance of curiosity-driven learning, reminding students that “every time a child looks up at the stars, a new dream is born.” As an ISRO Space Tutor, SPACE India continues to nurture these dreams through experiential learning, innovation, and exposure to the global space community.
Complementing the live interaction, the event featured a special screening of the acclaimed Russian film “The Age of Pioneers,” a moving cinematic homage to early space heroes, and an exhibition on Indo-Russian Space Heritage, showcasing milestones from Sputnik 1 to Soyuz T-11. Together, these experiences captured the timeless story of two nations united by discovery, courage, and an unyielding desire to reach for the stars.
Delegations from renowned institutions across India — including Nav Rachana Higher Secondary School (Gujarat), Delhi Public School, K.R. Mangalam World School, The Indian Heights School, and SD International School (Panipat) — participated with great enthusiasm. For many students, the experience of meeting a real cosmonaut was transformational, kindling a deeper passion for science, space, and exploration.
As the day concluded, “Meet the Cosmonaut: Denis Matveev” emerged not just as an event but as a symbol of friendship, scientific unity, and shared destiny. It reaffirmed that space is not the frontier of a single nation, but a collective dream of humanity. As India and Russia continue to expand their presence in the cosmos, this celebration stands as a luminous reminder that our greatest achievements are born from collaboration — and that humanity’s future, indeed, lies among the stars.
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