A two-decade-old Bengaluru-based non-profit volunteer group, Bangalore Astronomical Society (BAS), which promotes astronomy through regular sessions and workshops, was featured in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 134th episode of Mann Ki Baat.

Mr. Modi mentioned that the BAS organises astronomy sessions and has launched an initiative to promote astronomy in rural areas. He referred to the group while highlighting India’s connection with astronomy and its links to the country’s culture.

Sudhash Natarajan, 51, one of the trustees of the volunteer-driven BAS, told The Hindu that it came as a surprise when Doordarshan contacted them to inform them about the mention in Mann Ki Baat.

Mr. Natarajan said that the group has been active since 2006, when six to seven enthusiasts began discussing astronomy. This eventually led to the formation of the whole group, which now has 35 to 40 volunteers. The group also has two other trustees, Keerthi Kiran and Vishwanath S.K. Among its most active volunteers are Pramodh S., Nandan Narasimha, and Shashi Kolar.

According to Mr. Natarajan, the group conducts four different types of programmes. To develop curiosity and interest in astronomy in rural areas, they organise night-long stargazing sessions following afternoon theory classes for students. They call this programme the “Star Party”.

Similarly, by identifying locations with dark skies and minimal light pollution, mostly in the Western Ghats, the group organises skywatching sessions. The volunteers set up telescopes and other equipment required for the activity and educate participants about stars, galaxies, planets, and other astronomical objects. They also provide regular updates about comets.

The group also conducts one-day workshops in collaboration with educational institutions, where they display photographs of celestial objects captured by their members. They teach participants how to photograph and process these images during the sessions. In addition, they promote astronomy during open days at the Indian Institute of Science, Raman Research Institute, and the Indian Institute of Astrophysics.

Keerthi Kiran, another trustee, said that the group has organised more than 1,000 programmes so far, and there are instances of participants being inspired to pursue PhDs in the subject. “Even today, when we conduct sessions for kids, they come with questions, which feels very nice,” he said.

Mr. Kiran said that they have conducted sessions in several places across Karnataka, including Kortagere, Madhugiri, Challakere, Sirsi, Honnavar, Gokarna, and many others.

All of this is done free of cost. The group only charges for accommodation when participants attend sessions in far-off locations. Apart from that, the initiative is entirely focused on knowledge-sharing without any fee.