Puneite makes astronomy simple for Indians through new website

Pune: Astronomy lovers in India are now not required to read bulky books to understand basic astronomy concepts. A 23-year-old girl from Pune has made this complex task easier through a dedicated portal. 
Shweta Kulkarni, pursuing distance learning graduation from the University of Central Lancashire, in United Kingdom, has launched 'www.astronera.org' to educate Indians on astronomy in an 'Indianised way'.

Speaking about the inspiration behind this idea, Kulkarni said, "I was working in the Central government's Department of Science and Technology (DST) two years ago. My job was to make small videos related to astronomy. I thought of offering online courses on the subject to amateurs. Also this year, I was selected as one of the top 100 women entrepreneurs from across the country, which is a start-up programme conducted jointly by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Bangalore and IIM, Nagpur. Later, I started the portal.”

Giving details about the portal, she said, “There are many online courses available on astronomy. However, none of them is designed by an Indian. Such courses use the westernised system. They do not connect with our people. Many of us don't understand the structure of our galaxy when I say it is like a pancake. But when I say the structure is like an idli, it will appeal to our people. So, I would say www.astronera.org' is an 'Indianised' version.”

The portal is not only India's, but world's first astronomy dedicated e-learning platform. It offers free as well as paid short-term courses in astronomy. There will be no age or qualification requirement to do these courses, she added.

When asked about her future plans, Kulkarni said, “My aim is to popularise astronomy in India throughout my life. I recently received a fellowship from the Royal Astronomical Society, London. I am the first Indian woman to receive this.”

Speaking about ISRO and the scientific developments in India, she said, “All Indians should not only appreciate but also understand the work of ISRO. Even though we have sent the mission to Mars and the world is praising us for that, we follow superstitions ('mangal-amangal') with regard to marriages. We have to promote scientific temper as mentioned in Indian Constitution and whatever I am doing with my portal is something that India precisely needs right now.”

When asked about 'Science versus Social Issues' debate in India, she said, ”Indians want immediate returns in any venture. People say there is so much poverty in India. So, how can India spend so much money on such science projects? These talks indicate a short-term vision. When we invest in astronomy and science projects, we have a long-term vision, not only for India but for the world. Hence, out of this thinking, we have decided to impart these astronomy courses in 500 schools under the Department of Tribal Development, Government of Maharashtra.”

The portal was recently launched in the presence of former ISRO Director Pramod Kale, former ISRO Group Director and Vidyan Bharati, Pune Suresh Naik, senior civil servant Manisha Verma, SPPU Department of Science and Technology Dean Arvind Shaligram and international business expert Vandana Saxena.