Special children learn astronomy at astrophysics center, Pune

Tejas Thorat’s eyes lit up when he viewed the slide shows of planets, galaxy, satellites and other components of the universe.

His standard VI classmate Abhishek Chavan could not stop smiling when he located India carved on the Earth in one of the slides.

They were part of a 10-student batch of CR Ranganathan residential school for the hearing impaired children (CRRSHIC) that got an opportunity to view the unique feature of astronomy for the first time at the Inter-university centre for astronomy and astrophysics (IUCAA) on Thursday.

The ecstatic students were seen interacting in sign language, apparently discussing what they saw.

“The understanding of a thing or a concept can be best achieved by addressing the visual appetite,” said CRRSHIC teacher Swati Sadakare, who took the initiative to approach IUCCA for a slide show presentation for the students.

According to Sadakare, the experience would enhance the imagination power of these students.

“After receiving the school authorities’ request, we at once arranged for a PowerPoint presentation for these students to explain the basics of astronomy,” IUCAA scientific officer Arvind Paranjpe told DNA.

The instructor Milind Sathe, who was hearing challenged, explained the slides to students. The students were found firing questions at the instructor in sign language.

Through the help of an interpreter, Sathe said, “These energetic students are keen to learn. Their limitations look tame compared to their energy and curiosity.”

Tejas’s interpreter said, “The entire exercise was very well explained to us and we have benefited a lot from it.”

Paranjpe said, “IUCAA is keen to arrange more such exercises as it is a privilege to teach students who have this urge to learn.”