SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI
DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY
ACTIVITY REPORT
One-Day Sky Watching Event at Nagarwadi: An Outreach Activity
Activity Dates: 29/03/2025
Type of Activity: Outreach Activity
Organizing Department: Department of Physics
Program Coordinators: Dr. A.B. Bodade, Ms. S.M. Butte, Dr. R.G. Deshmukh and Mr. S.M. Chinche
Head of the Department: Dr. P. A. Nagpure
External Collaborator (if any): ShrinGadge Maharaj Adivasi Ashram-Shala, Nagarwadi, Tq. Chandur Bazar, Dist. Amravati
Objectives:
- To Promote Scientific Temper: To cultivate curiosity and a scientific outlook among tribal school students by providing them firsthand experience in observing celestial bodies through a telescope.
- To Dispel Myths and Superstitions: To educate students about common misconceptions related to astronomy, astrology, and celestial phenomena, encouraging critical thinking and rational inquiry.
- To Foster Interest in Astronomy: To introduce the basic concepts of astronomy, including stars, planets, satellites, and eclipses, and spark interest in the field through live demonstrations and expert guidance
- To Provide Hands-on Learning: To offer students an opportunity to directly observe Jupiter and its satellites using a high-quality telescope, enhancing their learning beyond textbooks.
- To Facilitate Community Outreach: To extend the department’s outreach efforts by engaging with rural and tribal communities, strengthening the bond between higher education institutions and underserved regions.
No of Beneficieries: More than 150 Students and 10 Teachers of Gadge Baba Adivasi Ashram-Shala, Nagarwadi, Tq. Chandur Bazar, Dist. Amravati
Classes Involved: School Students (5th to 9th Std.)
Venue of the Activity: Gadge Baba Adivasi Ashram-Shala, Nagarwadi, Tq. Chandur Bazar, Dist. Amravati
Activity Report:
The Department of Physics, Shri Shivaji Science College, Amravati, organized a one-day Sky Watching event at Adivasi Ashram-shala, Nagarwadi, Tq. Chandur Bazar, Dist. Amravati, on 29th March 2025. This program was a part of the department’s DBT-Star outreach initiatives to promote scientific temper among rural and tribal school students.
The Adivasi Ashram-shala at Nagarwadi holds a unique historical and social significance. Established around 1956 by the renowned revolutionary saint and social reformer, Sant Gadge Maharaj, the center has been dedicated to serving the downtrodden, illiterate, and backward-class people of this region. Situated near the Maharashtra–Madhya Pradesh border, surrounded by lush green fields and vibrant farming communities, it exudes an aura of peace and harmony.
The Ashram-shala is a fully government-aided, residential school that caters to students from grades I to X. Spread across a sprawling 15-acre campus, it houses 450 students in five hostels—four for boys and one large hostel for girls—and is staffed by 26 residential teachers along with non-teaching and support staff who live in staff quarters. The campus also includes the Gadge Maharaj Smruti Mandir, a farm, an office complex, a Mangal Karyalay (program hall), a solar project, a spacious well, playground, workshop, and recreation hall.
Mr. Bapusaheb Deshmukh, the official head of all activities at Nagarwadi, welcomed the visiting team and shared insights about the inspiration he draws from Gadge Baba’s legacy. He provided valuable information about the Ashram’s history, its operational strategies, future plans, and the significance of its Class B status. He highlighted the Ashram’s funding sources, which include government grants and private donations from across the country.
The Sky Watching event began at 7:00 PM in the open ground. A Celestron telescope was set up, powered by a generator for uninterrupted operation. Suraj Chinche, a postgraduate teaching faculty member from the department, assisted Dr. P.A. Nagpure in setting up and aligning the telescope, connecting electric lines, and organizing other essential accessories.
Coincidentally, the event fell on a new moon day, which also happened to be the day of a total solar eclipse (though not visible from India). Dr. P.A. Nagpure, Head of the Department of Physics, delivered a captivating and enlightening talk that resonated deeply with the audience. Known for his ability to simplify complex concepts, Dr. Nagpure began his session by introducing the fascinating world of celestial objects, including stars, planets, and satellites, using clear and relatable language that engaged both students and faculty alike.
He began by explaining the life cycle of a star, from its birth in a nebula to its eventual evolution into a red giant or supernova, and ultimately its transformation into either a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole. Through vivid analogies—like comparing stars to “giant nuclear furnaces”—he helped the audience appreciate the immense energy and beauty inherent in these cosmic phenomena.
Moving on to planets and satellites, Dr. Nagpure highlighted their unique characteristics, such as orbital motions, gravitational interactions, and the diversity of planetary surfaces within our solar system. He used simple diagrams and everyday comparisons—like describing the moon as Earth’s constant companion—to make these concepts accessible and memorable.
He then demystified the phenomena of eclipses, both solar and lunar, explaining the precise alignments required for their occurrence. He illustrated how the interplay of the Sun, Earth, and Moon creates these awe-inspiring events and emphasized the importance of safe viewing practices during solar eclipses, highlighting the scientific value of such phenomena.
Furthermore, Dr. Nagpure skillfully explained the phases of the moon, illustrating the gradual transition from new moon to full moon and back. He connected these phases to everyday experiences, such as the timing of festivals and agricultural practices, demonstrating the cultural as well as scientific relevance of lunar cycles.
The audience responded enthusiastically, with many students and faculty members expressing their gratitude for the clarity and relevance of his explanations. Dr. Nagpure’s talk served as a shining example of how science can be communicated effectively and meaningfully to inspire curiosity and dispel myths, making this segment of the program truly memorable.
Dr. S.S. Arsad, senior faculty member of the department, elaborated on topics such as high and low tides, differences between stars and planets, the Earth’s only natural satellite—the Moon—and why the Sun is classified as a star. He also explained how to distinguish stars from planets, discussed the distinction between astrology and astronomy, and introduced students to the fascinating fields of astronomy and astrophysics.
S.M. Butte, a passionate nature lover and astronomy enthusiast from the department, captured stunning photographs of the event with her Nikon camera and provided enthusiastic assistance throughout the evening.
The event was meticulously planned and coordinated by Dr. Radhika Deshmukh and Dr. Archana Bodade, who ensured every detail was thoughtfully executed. Their dedication and micro-level planning contributed significantly to the program’s success.
Approximately 150 students participated in the sky-watching session after dinner. One by one, they observed Jupiter and its satellites through the well-focused Celestron telescope. For many, this was their first time witnessing celestial objects live, leaving them awe-struck and inspired. Students from the junior college, who were at the Ashram-shala for an internship program, also participated enthusiastically.
School teacher, Mr. Dhore, a popular teacher among the students, provided valuable support in organizing the event and ensuring its smooth execution.
The program concluded at 10:30 PM. The students expressed immense satisfaction and excitement about the event, as they had gained new knowledge and unforgettable experiences. As the department staff departed, they were warmly seen off with heartfelt farewells and small gifts from the Ashram’s head. It was indeed a memorable and rare experience, cherished by everyone involved.
At the end of the program, Mr. Bapusaheb Deshmukh was felicitated by the visiting staff with a traditional shawl and sheephal as a token of gratitude for his hospitality and support. In a warm gesture, he offered the team fresh watermelon, organically grown in the Ashram’s own farm, as a mark of appreciation.
The event stands as a shining example of how outreach activities can bridge the gap between scientific knowledge and rural communities, fostering curiosity, dispelling myths, and inspiring young minds.
Outcomes:
- Students gained firsthand exposure to astronomy through telescope observation, sparking interest in science and encouraging curiosity about the night sky.
- Participants learned to critically examine myths related to astrology, superstitions, and false beliefs, fostering a more rational and scientific mindset.
- Students were able to differentiate between stars and planets, understand the concept of satellites, and learn about lunar phases, eclipses, and other celestial phenomena.
- Students expressed enthusiasm and satisfaction with the live observations, and many shared their excitement and interest in pursuing further knowledge about astronomy and science in general.
- The event strengthened the bond between the Department of Physics and the local community, reinforcing the college’s commitment to outreach and inclusive education.
Photos:
 Glimpses of the event |  Glimpses of the event |
 Glimpses of the event |  Glimpses of the event |
 Glimpses of the event |  News paper cutting |
Attendance Sheet:
 Sheet |
 Sheet |