Moon Man Inspires Young Minds as Dr Annadurai Inaugurates Astronomy Lab at Alva’s School

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Nov 30, 2025: Padma Shri awardee and renowned space scientist Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, popularly known as the Moon Man of India, inaugurated a state-of-the-art astronomy lab at Alva’s School, Moodbidri, on Saturday, inspiring students with stories of India’s remarkable space journey.

Calling it “not merely an astronomy lab, but a space lab in essence,” Dr Annadurai said the facility mirrors India’s expanding ambitions in space science—from early satellites and remote sensing to advanced navigation, communication systems and milestone missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. He expressed hope that the lab would spark scientific curiosity among students and nurture the next generation of innovators.

Drawing a parallel with India’s rise in global chess, he noted that school ecosystems have produced world-class grandmasters. “If schools can nurture champions, they can also produce world-class scientists,” he said, urging students to cultivate curiosity and intellectual courage.

Reflecting on India’s discovery of water on the moon, Dr Annadurai remarked, “Columbus discovered America while searching for India. Centuries later, America could not detect water on the moon, but India did.” He suggested that the moon could become the “next America” as humanity looks beyond Earth for future expansion.
“Muscle power may limit us, but mind power never does,” he reminded students, urging them to seek answers rather than stop at questions.

Dr Ramesh Bhat, convener of the Amateur Astronomers Club, Sri Mahaveer College, said India’s achievements have proven the world-class capabilities of ISRO scientists. Presiding over the programme, Vivek Alva, management trustee of Alva’s Education Foundation, highlighted that many ISRO scientists come from rural backgrounds, reaffirming that talent thrives far beyond metropolitan centres.