Astronomy for All

May 19, 2025

For centuries we have looked up at the skies and experienced the awe. The named stars and constellations, our traditions and festivals linked to various astronomical events evidently represent our fascination and connection to the heavens.

While some civilizations drew inspiration from Mythology, others applied imagination to name and remember the constellations -- a group of stars moving together across the sky. They used the appearance of constellations and celestial bodies to predict weather, and hence the sowing and reaping seasons. Sailors navigated by using the stars as markers in the sky.

We have since come a long way, both in our understanding of the sky, as well as technology. But it is both heart breaking and terrifying to realise that most of us city dwellers have grown up with more lights around us, than the number of stars in the sky. And the situation is only getting worse for our children. Most of them do not know anything about the constellations or stars-- even the famous ones such as Orion the hunter and the great bear, because they have never had a chance to see them in the sky.

It is therefore our duty to ensure that we do not lose our oldest natural heritage, the link between our ancestors and our future-- the dark skies which MUST be conserved. Knowledge of Astronomy which NEEDS to be passed on to the next generation.

In a very fast moving world, where knowledge know no bounds, and there is often an overload of information from various channels, the traditional knowledge of Astronomy provides a means not just to inculcate logical thinking, connect with our history and meaningfully connect with our traditions, but also inspire curiosity.

I hope to bring a small change in the education system, and urge all stake holders-- schools, policy makers, educators, parents and of course our children, to gain a basic understanding of Astronomy which will help them see the sky in a new light, and hence connect with the universe providing an inexplicable peace, that is impossible otherwise.