A Learner's Journal: Learning from Stars to Societies

Sometimes, journeys meant for the skies bring you closer to the ground, closer to your roots, your memories, and the stories that shaped the ones you love. Of Stars and Steering Wheels: A Soulful Detour in Coimbatore I was on a seven-day astronomy study tour across southern parts of India in November 2024. My mind was filled with constellations, galaxies, and the timeless wonders of the universe. The tour was intense, a whirlwind of observatories, lectures, and intensive learnings at different observatories. But in between those cosmic moments, we had a much-needed rest day in Coimbatore. For most, it was a day to relax. For me, it was the perfect chance to make a very personal detour. Not for stars this time, but for steel, for stories on wheels, and for a car that once stood at the heart of my husband's family history.   How a Car Became Family I must mention, I wasn’t someone who grew up fascinated by cars. Life in my rural hometown was simple; luxury didn’t factor into ou...

"Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known" - Carl Sagan I was born and raised in a far-flung beautiful tribal village called Birsa in Balaghat district of Madhya Pradesh, where the clarity of the night sky was unparalleled. My love for astronomy dates back to my childhood, when, at the age of six, my elder cousin showed me a rare celestial event in the night sky. Since then, I’ve been captivated by the mysterious vastness above.  At that time, astronomy for me was simply about looking up and enjoying the celestial beauty. Stargazing there was a magical experience, with a Bortle scale rating that made the stars shine brighter and the constellations clearer than anywhere else. Even without a telescope or formal knowledge at the time, the night sky became my canvas, inspiring countless dreams and emotions. The night sky was my escape and my muse—a boundless expanse that painted my dreams and emotions with its infinite canvas. As an introverted child, I felt an eve...