In a significant move to promote astronomy and scientific curiosity, the Karnataka government is set to broaden the reach of its ambitious Telescope Distribution Scheme. State Minister for Science and Technology, NS Boseraju, announced on Thursday that the initiative, currently serving residential schools, will be expanded to include a wider array of government educational institutions.
Major Expansion Planned for Astronomy Initiative
Minister Boseraju revealed the expansion plans during an event at the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bengaluru. He stated that a formal proposal seeking additional funds for this wider rollout will be presented to the Chief Minister during the upcoming state budget discussions. The scheme, which has already made a notable impact, is poised for a substantial scale-up in the coming year.
The programme has already equipped 833 residential schools and Pre-University colleges under the Karnataka Residential Educational Institutions Society (KRIES) with telescopes, at a total investment of Rs 3 crore. Boseraju emphasised that no other state government department in India has undertaken a project of this magnitude in the field of astronomy education.
Training Teachers for Hands-On Learning
The announcement coincided with the inauguration of a special training workshop for KRIES teachers at the planetarium. This highlights a core philosophy of the scheme: it is not merely about distributing equipment. The government's intention, as stated by the minister, is to ensure educators are fully trained to operate and maintain the telescopes, integrating them effectively into classroom teaching.
The hands-on training aims to empower teachers to make regular sky observation a part of school activities, thereby directly encouraging students to explore the wonders of astronomy. This focus on practical, experiential learning is central to the programme's goal of moving beyond theoretical science.
Fostering a Scientific Mindset for the Future
Minister Boseraju stressed the critical need to cultivate a scientific temper and rational thinking among the youth. He argued that strengthening science education is not optional but essential in today's era, which is fundamentally driven by knowledge and technological innovation. The telescope scheme is a concrete step towards building this foundation.
To further support this mission, the Department of Science and Technology also unveiled its Astronomical Calendar for the year 2026 at the same event. This calendar, which details monthly celestial events, is designed as a practical resource to help teachers plan their observational sessions and use the provided telescopes more effectively throughout the academic year.
The combined strategy of providing tools, comprehensive training, and planning resources underscores Karnataka's committed push to make astronomy-based learning a robust and engaging part of the state's educational landscape.
