Henkel sets up an Astronomy Observatory and Laboratory

Today, Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited ‏(Henkel India), in collaboration with Global Mission Astronomy India and Lions Clubs International District 3234 D2 unveiled India’s biggest school level Astronomy Observatory and Laboratory for students in Maharshi Karve Stree-Sikhshan Sanstha, Pune.

“Through the Astronomy Observatory & Laboratory, we will generate interest among the children and will help them gain knowledge right from the school level. Thereby, setting up a breeding ground for future scientists and astronomers from India,” said Dr. Prasad Khandagale, CSR Committee Member of Henkel India.

Henkel has already helped set up astronomy observatories in 5 tehsils of Pune district, namely, Jejuri, Bhor, Talegaon, Dhamdhere and Shirgaon. The Astronomy Observatory and Laboratory in Maharshi Karve Stree-Sikhshan Sanstha, Pune is the sixth one. This collaboration with the Global Mission Astronomy Institute, India, which has signed a Memorandum of Understanding ‏(MoU) with research institutes in the US and Spain, means that students from all these schools will join NASA's asteroid search mission. The students will also be given the opportunity to participate in the asteroid exploration of history, along with Japan, Australia and other international research centers. From these labs now ten thousand students are studying space research.  

We have trained more than 250 teachers around Pune through the ‘Train the Trainer‘ program. Students with the help of the Astronomy Observatory & Laboratory will be able to participate in various activities such as solar eclipse, lunar eclipse, supermoon meteor shower, observation of planets and stars, observation of asteroids, alliance of planets, observation of night sky, among others.

The Astronomy observatory and Laboratory was inaugurated by Dr. Nitin Karmalkar, Vice Chancellor Savitribai Phule Pune University along with Dr. Prasad Khandagale of Henkel India. The other dignitaries who graced the occasion with their presence included, noted scientist Dr. Kashinath Deodhar ‏(Ex. DRDO), Dr. Jayant Naralikar, Sr. Astrophysicist and Dr. Roopesh Ojha, Astrophysicist, Director NASA USA who joined virtually. Others present included Lion Hemant Naik, District Governor Lions Club 3234 D2 and Mr. Ravindra Dev. President MKSSS.