BANDIPORA/GUREZ, 18 JUNE: In a significant initiative aimed at fostering scientific temperament, astronomy education and astro-tourism, a two-day Night Sky Watching Programme was successfully organised at Dawar, Gurez on June 10 and at Badugam, Tulail on June 11 under the directions of the Director School Education Kashmir.
The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, local residents, domestic tourists and foreign visitors, transforming the event into a vibrant confluence of science, education and tourism in the picturesque valleys of Gurez and Tulail.
Among those present on the occasion were Divisional Nodal Officer, Atal Tinkering Labs, Muneer Ahmad; Principal Higher Secondary School Baduab, Nayeem Ahmad; Principal Boys Higher Secondary School Dawar, Asadullah; Principal Girls Higher Secondary School Dawar, Fayaz Ahmad, besides several officers, educators and members of the local community.
The programme was graced by the presence of MLA Gurez, Nazir Ahmad, who lauded the initiative and highlighted its immense potential in promoting astro-tourism in the region. He observed that such scientific outreach programmes can open new avenues for educational engagement, scientific awareness and sustainable tourism in Gurez Valley.
Appreciating the efforts of the Directorate of School Education Kashmir, Joint Director Education North Kashmir, Divisional Nodal Office of Atal Tinkering Labs and the participating educational institutions, the MLA announced an on-the-spot sanction of ₹8 lakh for four Higher Secondary Schools, namely Boys Higher Secondary School Dawar, Girls Higher Secondary School Dawar, Higher Secondary School Izmarg and Higher Secondary School PTL, for procurement of advanced telescopes to strengthen astronomy-related educational activities.
He also expressed gratitude to the Director School Education Kashmir and Chief Education Officer Bandipora for their support in making the programme a success.
A major attraction of the event was an informative astronomy lecture delivered by Principal HSS Baduab, Nayeem Ahmad, who shared fascinating insights into stars, planets, galaxies and other celestial phenomena. Through simple and engaging explanations, he helped participants understand the wonders of the universe and the significance of astronomy in everyday life.
The practical astronomy session was conducted by Divisional Nodal Officer, Atal Tinkering Labs, Muneer Ahmad, who demonstrated the functioning of telescopes and guided participants in observing various celestial objects. He also highlighted the rare celestial phenomenon popularly known as the “Cosmic Kiss”, during which Venus and Jupiter appeared remarkably close in the night sky, captivating the audience and generating immense curiosity among participants.
The programme provided many attendees with their first opportunity to observe celestial bodies through telescopes, sparking scientific curiosity and encouraging greater public engagement with astronomy.
Speaking on the occasion, participants expressed appreciation for the initiative and called for more such programmes in remote areas to promote science education, innovation and experiential learning.
At the conclusion of the programme, Principal HSS Baduab, Nayeem Ahmad, thanked the MLA Gurez, Director School Education Kashmir, Joint Director Education North Kashmir, Chief Education Officer Bandipora and all stakeholders for their support and cooperation in organising the event.
The programme concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing hope that similar initiatives would continue to inspire young minds and strengthen the culture of scientific inquiry and astro-tourism across the region.
