Bhavan’s Tripura Vidyamandir unveils the city’s first school-based Stargazer Telescope, offering students a hands-on astronomy experience. This pioneering initiative aims to inspire young learners and foster scientific curiosity in Tripura’s educational landscape.
As the winter night gently embraced Narsingarh, the grounds of Bhavan’s Tripura Vidyamandir were buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Under a radiant full moon, hundreds of students gathered to witness a historic moment — the unveiling of the city’s first school-based Stargazer Telescope. This remarkable installation positions Bhavan’s Tripura Vidyamandir at the forefront of scientific education in the region, providing students an extraordinary opportunity to explore the cosmos firsthand.
The telescope, affectionately named “Black Beauty” for its sleek black finish, was inaugurated on Wednesday evening in an event that drew students, teachers, and parents not only from Bhavan’s but also from neighbouring schools. The initiative underscores the school’s dedication to promoting practical scientific learning and fostering curiosity about astronomy among young minds.
Principal Swapna Shome shared her enthusiasm, saying, “Although the telescope is installed at Bhavan’s, it will be accessible to students from other schools as well. We want to create a platform where children from across the city can experience the wonders of space exploration.” She believes that such hands-on learning tools are vital to help students transform their imagination into scientific understanding.
The brainchild of Debashis Chakraborty, Chairman of Bhavan’s Tripura Vidyamandir and former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer, the telescope installation aims to stimulate scientific thinking and nurture an interest in space sciences. Chakraborty addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of astronomy in education and encouraging students to look beyond their textbooks and connect with the universe.
Themed “Grab the Chance, Gaze the Stars,” the event gave many students their first-ever close-up view of the Cold Moon’s surface through the telescope. Starting at 5 pm, the programme saw long queues of eager learners waiting to gaze at celestial details otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Many described the experience as “unforgettable” and “magical,” marking a pivotal moment in their scientific journey.
The formal unveiling ceremony featured notable dignitaries, including Manas Pal, Executive Editor of Tripura Times; Dr. Ayan Saha, Officer-in-Charge of the Udaipur Science Centre; and Biplab Debnath, Panchayat Pradhan of Narsingarh. Dr. Saha delivered an insightful speech on effective stargazing techniques and the proper handling of telescopes, reinforcing the educational value of this initiative.
Panchayat Pradhan Biplab Debnath expressed pride in the community, stating, “This is a landmark moment for Narsingarh and the surrounding areas. The addition of such an advanced scientific instrument in a school setting will inspire our youth and elevate practical education standards.” He congratulated the school authorities, teachers, and students for their commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.
In his address, Manas Pal motivated the students to seize this unique opportunity to explore the universe’s mysteries. He quoted Joni Mitchell’s famous line, “We are all stardust, billion years old carbon… and we’ve gotta get back to the garden,” to highlight humanity’s intrinsic connection to the cosmos. Pal encouraged students to expand their horizons, dream big, and pursue a deeper understanding of the galaxies beyond.
Teachers and faculty members at Bhavan’s are optimistic that the telescope will transform the school’s scientific environment. They envision a future where astronomy sessions, night sky observations, and research-based learning become integral parts of the curriculum. “Black Beauty” is not just a telescope; it is a gateway for young learners to develop critical thinking skills, scientific inquiry, and a lifelong passion for space science.
By introducing such innovative educational tools, Bhavan’s Tripura Vidyamandir is setting a benchmark in Tripura’s academic landscape. The school’s proactive approach will likely inspire other institutions in the region to integrate experiential learning methods and emphasize STEM education.
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As the night deepened over Narsingarh, the gleam from the “Black Beauty” telescope reflected the school’s vision of lighting the path for future astronomers and scientists. This initiative is more than just a technological addition — it’s a beacon of knowledge and inspiration for the next generation.
