200 out of 376 astrophysics labs established in J&K

Srinagar, Oct 07: The Directorate of School Education Samagra Shiksha department has accomplished the establishment of 200 astrophysics laboratories across Jammu & Kashmir. These labs, aimed at nurturing students’ interest in space-related subjects, are part of an ambitious initiative spanning 188 educational zones in the union territory.
Project Director of Samagra Shiksha J&K, Deep Raj told Rising Kashmir that out of the planned 376 labs, 200 have been successfully completed, with the remaining 176 slated for completion by the end of October.
According to Raj, stringent deadlines have been set to ensure the timely establishment of all labs, with teachers already undergoing training sessions to operate the newly set up facilities effectively.
“The training sessions are a crucial aspect of our initiative. They will empower teachers to guide students in exploring astronomy and space-related topics,” he said, adding that these labs are equipped with state-of-the-art instruments, providing government school students from 5th to 12th classes with hands-on experiences in the fascinating realm of astrophysics.
The endeavour also marks a significant partnership between the Samagra Shiksha Department of Jammu and Kashmir and IIT Kanpur. Deep Raj highlighted that this collaboration aims to instill space knowledge among students and foster their curiosity in astronomy.
“Our goal is not only to enhance understanding but also to kindle a passion for space sciences, potentially shaping future careers in this field,” he said.
The Project Director said these astrophysics labs are not just confined to enhancing classroom learning; they serve as platforms for interactive learning experiences. “Students will have the opportunity to explore space-related concepts through practical experiments, aligning their education with real-world applications,” he said.
“This initiative stands poised to not only illuminate the educational landscape in Jammu and Kashmir but also inspire a new generation of scientists, astronomers, and researchers, fostering a keen interest in the boundless wonders of the universe among the region’s youth,” Raj added.