Kanpur, 3 April 2025 - IIT Kanpur’ Department of Space, Planetary & Astronomical Sciences & Engineering in collaboration with the Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra (RSK) is going to start Astronomy & Science Clubs in government schools in the state. This initiative seeks to cultivate a deep interest in science and space exploration among young minds, empowering them with the knowledge and skills needed to explore these exciting fields.

As part of this initiative, participating schools will receive specially designed Astronomy and Science kits, each containing over 100 hands-on experiments. These kits are meticulously crafted to engage students in interactive learning, allowing them to gain practical experience while exploring scientific concepts. The inaugural kit was presented to Dr. Kiran Prajapati, District Coordinator of the District Science Club, Kanpur Nagar, marking the commencement of this exciting venture in scientific exploration.

Dr. Tejpreet Kaur, Institute Postdoctoral Fellow in the Department of SPASE, IIT Kanpur, highlighted the importance of astronomy in broadening students’ understanding of the universe. She remarked, “Astronomy is not simply about observing stars, but about comprehending our place within the vast expanse of the universe.” Dr. Kaur, who is also involved in the Khagolvani astronomy outreach project supported by the International Astronomical Union’s Office of Astronomy for Development (IAU-OAD), shared that night-sky observation sessions, along with hands-on astronomy activities, would soon be introduced in schools to further engage students

The event featured a demonstration of several hands-on experiments from the kits by Assitant Project Managers for this, Jayent Kumar Yogesh Kumar and Shubhi Shukla, highlighting the simplicity and effectiveness of experiential learning in enhancing students’ understanding of scientific concepts. Prof. Sandeep Sangal, Principal Investigator of the RSK project, emphasized the dual objectives of RSK: providing high-quality, free education to children while also imparting employable skills to rural youth. He stated, "The rural education initiative of IIT Kanpur is a groundbreaking effort that utilizes technology to reach even the most remote schools, delivering the highest quality education in a cost-effective manner. The kits provided are designed to be easily replenished, ensuring sustainability."

The State Bank of India (SBI) has provided CSR funding to support the establishment of Astronomy and Science Clubs in the first 10 government schools. During the inaugural ceremony, Deepak Kumar Dey, Chief General Manager of SBI, expressed his strong support for the initiative, stating, "The launch of the Astronomy and Science Kit Club at Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra represents a pivotal moment in fostering a genuine interest in science. By partnering with IIT Kanpur, we aim to inspire young minds and create a lasting impact on the value of their education."

Roopesh Gangwar, Chief Manager at SBI, further noted, “Following the successful pilot phase in a select number of schools, we are committed to supporting IIT Kanpur in expanding this initiative to a broader network of schools in the forthcoming year.”

The ceremony was attended by numerous distinguished guests, including Prof. Amitesh Omar, Head of the SPASE Department; Prof. Sandeep Sangal; Prof. Sudhanshu S. Singh; Rita Singh, Coordinator of RSK; and other esteemed members of the IIT Kanpur and RSK teams.

About IIT Kanpur:

The Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, established in 1959, holds the distinction of being recognized as an Institute of National Importance by the Government of India through an Act of Parliament. Renowned for its excellence in science and engineering education, IIT Kanpur has made significant contributions to research and development over the decades. Its expansive, lush green campus spans 1,050 acres and hosts a rich array of academic and research resources. The institute comprises 19 departments, 26 centers, three interdisciplinary programs, and two specialized schools across engineering, science, design, humanities, and management disciplines. With over 590 full-time faculty members and more than 9,500 students, IIT Kanpur continues to be a leader in fostering innovation and academic rigor.

For more information, visit www.iitk.ac.in.