In a significant step towards strengthening science education in government schools, Aahwahan Foundation, with support from Infinera (a part of Nokia), inaugurated its 90th Model Astronomy Lab at Government Girls Senior Secondary School No. 3, Badarpur, New Delhi, on Monday.
The initiative aims to empower students through experiential learning and spark scientific curiosity by introducing hands-on astronomy education at the school level. The newly inaugurated lab is designed to help students understand complex astronomical concepts through interactive models, visual demonstrations, and practical tools, thereby enhancing their interest in STEM subjects.
The inauguration ceremony witnessed the presence of senior representatives from Aahwahan Foundation and Infinera, along with school faculty and students. The dignitaries appreciated the collaborative effort between corporate partners and social organizations in improving the quality of education in government schools, particularly by promoting scientific temperament among young learners.
Shri Braja Kishore Pradhan, Founder and CEO of Aahwahan Foundation, reiterated the organization’s commitment to bridging educational gaps by providing quality learning infrastructure in underserved schools. “Our objective is to create meaningful learning spaces that encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and confidence among students, especially girls,” he said.
Representing the corporate partner, Shri Sanjay Ajmera, Regional Head of Finance at Nokia, and Smt. Meenu Sachdeva, Staff HR Representative from Infinera, highlighted the company’s continued focus on corporate social responsibility initiatives in the education sector. They emphasized that supporting astronomy labs aligns with the vision of fostering innovation and scientific thinking at the grassroots level.
The Model Astronomy Lab programme has already benefited thousands of students across the country, and the inauguration of the 90th lab marks another milestone in Aahwahan Foundation’s mission to transform government school education through quality and inclusive educational interventions.
The event concluded with live demonstrations of the astronomy models, with enthusiastic participation from students and teachers, showcasing the positive impact of public-private partnerships in advancing quality education.
