Not Fireworks, Stars Light Up New Year in Vizag Fishing Colony

Residents, including children, women and elders, gathered at the Bhagat Singh Library on Tuesday night, where a telescope was set up on the rooftop, offering views of celestial objects such as Venus and the moon. The initiative turned the final evening of the year into a blend of celebration and scientific learning.

The programme was organised by the Naujawan Bharat Sabha, which manages the library. “To promote a scientific temper in society on the occasion of the New Year, we arranged a telescope for children and women visiting the library. We showed them planets visible in the night sky,” said N. Sujan, a member of the Sabha.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from entire families. Budagatla Jaya, who attended with her children, said, “Along with my son and daughter, I also observed the planets through the telescope. It was an amazing experience and a memorable way to welcome the New Year.”

For many children, the experience proved inspiring. K. Ram Charan, a Class VIII student, said he had always been fascinated by the sky. “Seeing the planets through a telescope made me very happy. It makes me want to become an astronaut,” he said.

Parents felt such celebrations could spark curiosity and broaden young minds. P. Rama Devi, who came with her two sons, said celebrating the New Year through sky observation would increase children’s interest in science.

Residents said the Bhagat Singh Library has become an important community learning space. Mahesh G., who helped set up the telescope, said the initiative was aimed at encouraging children to look beyond routine celebrations. “By turning the telescope towards the sky, we welcomed the New Year while planting seeds of scientific curiosity among the younger generation,” he said.

The event stood out as an example of how community-driven efforts can combine learning with celebration, offering children a glimpse of a future filled with possibilities.