From rural classroom to the stars: How government teacher from Rajasthan is helping students hunt asteroids

Divyendu Sen, a biology teacher at Mahatma Gandhi Government School in Jhalawar district’s Pachpahar, Rajasthan, has spent 14 years promoting learning over academic scores. Now, his belief in fostering curiosity over formal education has led to an impressive discovery in the field of astronomy, as his remote students have identified 12 asteroid candidates through a NASA-supported citizen space campaign.

The 40-year-old educator, one of 48 teachers receiving the National Teachers Award – India's highest recognition for school educators – will receive his award from President Droupadi Murmu on September 5, Teachers Day.

Sen's success story challenges the notion that advanced science can only happen in big cities or elite schools. He believes that rural students can be equally curious and capable if given the right guidance. Encouraged by Sen's support, his students have participated in the International Astronomical Search Campaign, discovering 12 asteroid candidates, four of which have been provisionally recognized as new discoveries.

This achievement is even more remarkable given that many of the students come from rural backgrounds with limited access to technology.

Beyond astronomy, Sen has introduced several technology-driven initiatives at his school. He has converted educational content into audio format using student voices and serves as a district coordinator for the National Children's Science Congress. His students have consistently reached the state level in Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan, one of India's largest science talent-search examinations.

At his institution, Sen has also promoted virtual science laboratories, allowing students to perform and observe experiments digitally, even with limited physical lab resources.

However, the path to success was not without challenges. Sen had to convince people of the importance of these initiatives, explaining that they develop computer skills and cultivate a scientific temperament in students, which may not have immediate employment implications but will prove beneficial in the long run.