Hubballi Student Krushi Menasinakai Selected for ASEAN Astronomy Camp

Hubballi: Krushi Sangamesh Menasinakai, a Class 10 student of Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 1, Hubballi, has earned a prestigious selection for the ASEAN Astronomy Camp (AAC) in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The camp, scheduled from March 11 to 14, will bring together young astronomy enthusiasts from across the globe.

Organized jointly by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) and the International Training Center in Astronomy under UNESCO (ITCA), the program is designed for students aged 15 to 19. Out of 316 applicants worldwide, only 30 students secured a place in the camp based on their astronomy essays. Krushi is one of just two students selected from India, as confirmed by an AAC press release.

Krushi credits her selection to a science tour organized by her school under the PM SHRI (PM Schools for Rising India) grant, which took students to the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in Bengaluru in April 2024. "During the visit, we explored various ISRO divisions and had the opportunity to interact with scientists such as P. Veeramuthuvel, Nigar Shaji, and Prashant Bagalkot. Their insights ignited my passion for space and astronomy. This selection is a result of the encouragement from my school, the PM SHRI grant, ISRO, and its scientists," she said.

The camp will be held at multiple locations, including the Princess Sirindhorn AstroPark in Mae Rim District, the Astronomy Information and Training Center in Chom Thong District, and Doi Inthanon National Park. Participants will explore research laboratories, observe the 40-meter Thai National Radio Telescope and the 2.4-meter Thai National Telescope, and engage in stargazing activities at Thailand’s highest peak. This was conveyed in a letter from NARIT’s Executive Director, Saran Poshyachinda.

In addition to her academic achievements, Krushi has also excelled in sports. She represented the Bengaluru regional division in the Kendriya Vidyalaya National Sports Meet held in Ernakulam, Kerala, this academic year, competing in the 3,000-meter and 1,500-meter races and securing commendable prizes.