In a significant boost to scientific education, NAFO Global has donated a state-of-the-art Astronomy Lab to Government Girls High School, Cotton Hill. The initiative aims to inspire students’ interest in space science and provide hands-on learning opportunities.
The Astronomy Lab was officially inaugurated by Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of VSSC and the lead scientist behind India’s Gaganyaan mission. The ceremonial key handover was conducted by His Excellency Prince Aditya Varma, NAFO Global’s Doctrine Mentor, who presented it to the school’s principal, Greeshma V. The event also featured Jaya G. Nair, former ISRO scientist and a key contributor to Chandrayaan-3, as the Guest of Honour.
Several distinguished dignitaries graced the occasion, including Biju R., District Educational Officer, Thiruvananthapuram; Dr. Anand Narayanan, Professor & Head, Dept. of Earth & Space Sciences, IIST; Kiran Mohan, Deputy Project Director, LPSC/ISRO, Trivandrum; and Shyam, Representative from Amateur Astronomers Organization Kerala (AASTRO). Also in attendance were Dr. Arun Mohan, PTA President; Adv. Rakhi Ravikumar, Ward Councillor and former Deputy Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Municipal Corporation; Brijith Lal, School Management Committee Chairman; and student representatives.
The event was presided over by V.R. Vijayan Nair, Chairman of NAFO Global Kuwait’s Advisory Board, while Murali S. Nair, Secretary of NAFO Global India, welcomed the gathering and highlighted the organization’s commitment to education. The stage proceedings were coordinated by General Secretary Naveen C.P., Vice President Anish Nair, and Treasurer Unnikrishna Kurup, who introduced the chief guests and other dignitaries.
A technical presentation by Project Consultant Rahul Radhakrishnan detailed the lab’s cutting-edge features, including high-precision telescopes, astronomical models, LED-integrated educational displays, and 3D-printed models of PSLV, GSLV, and Chandrayaan rockets.
Prominent figures such as Prof. Sreedharan, Former Registrar of Kerala University; Shri Sreehari, Former Special Secretary, Govt. of Kerala; Sindhu S.S., State Programme Officer, Kerala; S. Sanil Kumar, Regional Chairman, Lions Clubs International; P. Krishna Kumar, Retired Chief Engineer, All India Radio; and P. Prakash, Honorary Member, NAFO Global, were also present.
A highlight of the event was an interactive science session led by Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair and other eminent scientists, providing students with insights into space science and career prospects. Experts also encouraged nearby schools to utilize the facility for maximum educational benefit.
The reception, refreshments, and memento distribution were efficiently coordinated by Vice President P. Balasundaran Nair, Joint Secretary C. Krishna Kumar, and Mahesh Bhasker, Socio-Welfare Coordinator, NAFO Kuwait.
The Astronomy Lab donation is part of NAFO Global’s Snehasparsham Project, which focuses on educational and infrastructure development in government and aided schools. Other initiatives under this project include Snehatheertham educational aid for students across Kerala, mechanized kitchen equipment for schools, hearing aids for children with impairments, and interactive whiteboards, smartphones, and sponsorships for underprivileged students.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Project Coordinator & Event Convener, P.S. Krishna Kumar, who expressed gratitude to all dignitaries, the NAFO Global team, and school authorities. This initiative reaffirms NAFO Global’s commitment to nurturing young scientific minds and fostering a passion for space exploration at Government Girls High School, Cotton Hill.
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