For two years now, Nagaraj Ananth, 43, a scientist at Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), has being going to schools and colleges on Saturdays and introducing children to the fascinating world of satellites and space travel. With the aid of videos, he explains the functions and different kinds of satellites, famous astronauts of the world and concepts related to space travel. A resident of JP Nagar, Ananth started a science club called ‘Galileo Science Club’.

Nagaraj Ananth during a session at Christ School, off Bannerghatta Road. Pic: Yogaraj Mudalgi.

Ananth, a diploma holder in electronics and communication and a scientist at ISRO for 22 years, was inspired after he volunteered with another club called ‘Raja Ramanna Science Club’, which conducts programmes to popularise science.

"I love interacting with kids and it is a treat to watch them discover more about astronomy. I wanted to do something exclusively about satellites and rockets, so I started Galileo Science Club”, he says.

He has conducted 50-minute programmes, free of cost, in more than 35 institutions across Bangalore, including several government schools.

Ananth conducted a session at Christ School on 17th September. More than a hundred students attended the session and were enthralled seeing videos of rockets being launched into space. John M J, 8th grade student, says “It was a wonderful programme. I wanted to visit ISRO and see how rockets are made and how they work. I wish he will help me in becoming a rocket engineer.”

Ananth can be contacted at 94484 26530 (after 7 pm) or putaani@gmail.com.