Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited (Henkel India) has set up an Astronomy Laboratory and Observatory called Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Space Observation Center in Adarsh English School, Thane, in collaboration with Global Mission Astronomy, India.
This Astronomy Laboratory and Observatory, set up under Henkel India’s CSR plan for FY 2024-25, was inaugurated by Dr. Kashinath Deodhar – Former Deputy Director of Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Krishna Prasad – CFO of Henkel India, Meera Korde – Chairman of Saraswati Vidya Prasarak Trust, Sachin B. More – Chairman of Adarsh Vikas Mandal and Shraddha S. More, Managing Trustee of AVM Adarsh English School on Oct 1. Henkel India’s CSR team members Ramit Mahajan, Bhupesh Singh, Dr. Prasad Khandagale, Sandhya Kedlaya and Kunjal Parekh, were present on this occasion.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Kashinath Deodhar – Former Deputy Director of ARDE, said, “Father of the Indian space program, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, believed that India’s space research program should be directed towards practical applications such as communication, weather forecasting, and education. Thereby, leading to the development of our nation and our people.“ “Henkel India‘s Astronomy Lab and Observatory CSR initiative will go a long way in furthering Dr. Sarabhai‘s dream,“ he added.
Henkel has already set up astronomy observatories & laboratories at 11 schools the Pune district and one in Navi Mumbai. Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam Space Observation Center in Adarsh English School, Thane is the thirteenth such lab. These astronomy laboratories and observatories give students an opportunity to participate in asteroid exploration, planetary exploration and build curiosity about the universe encouraging them to question what lies beyond. The aim is to enable ten thousand students to undertake space research from these labs.
Krishna Prasad, CFO of Henkel India, said, “The Astronomy Lab and Observatory CSR initiative of Henkel India will generate interest among students for astronomy and space right from the school level. Thereby, setting a breeding ground for future scientists and astronomers from India.“
