Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, Kothamangalam, has reached for the stars, quite literally. In a groundbreaking move, the Aerospace Interested Students Association (AISA) at MA College of Engineering has inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tamil Nadu Open Space Foundation for Skyward Adventures.
This partnership aims to kindle a deep fascination with space and astronomy among the youth of Kerala. MA Engineering College boasts a state-of-the-art telescope facility, a unique feature among engineering colleges in Kerala. This advanced telescope has the remarkable capability to observe nebulae (stellar birthplaces), constellations, planets, their moons, and even the enigmatic rings of Saturn. The telescope holds the promise of unlocking the mysteries of our cosmic neighbourhood.
The MoU signing ceremony, presided over by MA College of Engineering Principal Dr Bose Mathew Jose, saw the official handover of this cutting-edge telescope by Chief Guest Bharat Kumar Velusamy, Director of Research and Development at the Open Space Foundation. Mr Velusamy spoke passionately about the collaboration, stating that it would create a bridge between the realms of education and exploration. He emphasized that this initiative would open up new vistas of knowledge and wonder for students across Kerala. AISA Faculty in Charge, Dr Roja Abraham Raju, extended a warm welcome to the gathering, while student volunteers Harsha Anand PP and Thomas J Kumbalath delivered felicitation addresses, expressing their excitement for this astronomical journey.
Under this groundbreaking partnership, Mar Athanasius College of Engineering, through its Aerospace Interested Students Association, will conduct engaging workshops and awareness programs. These initiatives will focus on telescope assembly and the fundamentals of amateur astronomy. Knowledge workshops are set to be organized in schools and colleges in nearby districts. The primary goal is to introduce students to the art of telescope assembly and space observation.
The hope is to nurture a new generation of stargazers and astronomers, instilling both knowledge and enthusiasm for the cosmos. With a state-of-the-art telescope in their hands and the guidance of passionate mentors, the youth of Kerala are well on their way to reaching for the stars, igniting their passion for astronomy, and expanding their horizons beyond the limits of the Earth. The sky is not the limit; it's just the beginning.