Anushandhitshu Chokro Science Organization

Anushandhitshu Chokro is one of the pioneer science organisations in Bangladesh.

Anushandhitshu Chokro Science Organization
Formation6 September 1975 (1975-09-06)
Location
  • 48/1 South Mugdapara (Ground Floor), Dhaka, Bangladesh
President
Ifteekhar Ayub
Main organ
Central Committee
AffiliationsBangladesh Government
Volunteers
1200
Websiteachokro.org

Origin

In 1975, some of the young college students of Bangladesh form this organisation. Since then Anushandhitshu Chokro has played an important role in science awareness movement in Bangladesh.[1]

Aims

Science for peace and progress

Objectives
  • Build scientific awareness among general population
  • Construct educational equipment using low-cost technology
  • Promote the pursuit of deeper knowledge of science
  • Encourage movement against superstition
  • Provide scientific explanation of various supernatural incidents
  • Foster creative activities that will contribute to the progress and development of Bangladesh
  • Advance international co-operation with foreign organisations advancing science awareness
  • Advocate environmental consciousness among students and general population

Activities

Since its inception Anushandhitshu Chokro Science Organization has worked to spread science awareness among the young population of Bangladesh. It has organised numerous science exhibitions in schools, starting from the elementary level, instituted science reading programs, created low-cost science demonstration material, promoted astronomical observations, celebrated scientifically significant dates and arranged discussion sessions on different science topics.

A. Chokro now has 25 branches with 1200 members throughout Bangladesh. It used to publish a monthly scientific magazine titled "Anu" in Bengali for a period of fifteen years (1980–1995). Here are some important astronomical activities that A. Chokro organised over the past thirty years:

  • 1. Halley's Comet Observation in 1985–86,
  • 2. Total Solar Eclipse Observation in October 1995
  • 3. Leonid Shower Observation Programme in November 1999,
  • 4. Mars Close Up program 2003,
  • 5. Venus Transit of Sun 2004

International Year of Astronomy 2009

United Nations has declared 2009 as the ‘International Year of Astronomy'. Bangladesh including 136 countries around the world has started celebration of this historic event from 1 January 2009. As a part of this Programme Anushandhitshu Chokro organised massive program in Bangladesh. Program includes stamp publication, 445th Birth Anniversary of Galileo Galilei Celebration, sky observation Camp, Total Solar Eclipse 2009 observation, Galilean Nights.[2] 2009 etc.

Stamp on astronomy

Anushandhitshu Chokro proposed to publish commemorative stamp to celebrate international Year of Astronomy 2009, In quickest response Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications (MoPT), Bangladesh Government has published two commemorative stamps and Envelope. These stamps are designed by Astronomy Division, Anushandithsu Chokro Science Organization.[3][4]

445th Birth anniversary of Galileo Galilei

On 15 February 2009 the 445th Birth Anniversary of Galileo Galilei' was Celebrated in Bangladesh . On an initiative of Anushandhitshu Chokro, National Museum of Science and Technology, Bangladesh (NMST), organised a Day-long program including Seminar, Exhibition, and Video Presentation in their Auditorium. In this program Mr. Yafes Osman, State Minister of Science and Information and Communication Technology, Government of Bangladesh was present as the Chief Guest.

Total solar eclipse 2009

In 2009, Anushandhitshu Chokro played a major role in the advancement of amateur astronomy in Bangladesh by assembling the largest eclipse watching crowd ever in one place. More than 25,000 people gathered in Panchagarh Stadium in northern Bangladesh on 22 July 2009, to observe a total solar eclipse.[5]

Summer Solstice

21 June is the Summer Solstice for the northern hemisphere. On this day, the sun rises at its northernmost position, attains the highest position in the sky, and sets at the northernmost position. This day also carries a special meaning for Bangladesh because of an imaginary geographic line that runs through the middle of the country. The Tropic of Cancer runs through Comilla, south of Dhaka, and through Faridpur and Kushtia before it enters West Bengal. In 2007, Anushandhitshu Chokro Science Club organised a day-long solstice observation (Korkot-Kranti Dibosh) on 21 June in Dhaka.[6]

Science fair

In 1977–78 session, Government of Bangladesh organised First National Science and Technology week. Anushandhitshu Chokro helped to organise this science week.

Previous activities at a glance
  • From 28 January to 4 February 1981 a science fair was held at Kolkata in India. Anushandhitshu Chokro was only proud representative of Bangladesh. Anushandhitshu Chokro achieved the second position collectively.
  • Anushandhitshu Chokro invented the biggest telescope of Bangladesh in 1985. It achieved the first prize in National science and technology fair.
  • In 1986 Anushandhitshu Chokro arranged a project to show Halley's Comet with great enthusiasm. Large number people were present to see the comet.
  • On 24 October 1995, Anushandhitshu Chokro organised a program to observe the eclipse from HIRON POINT in Sundarban. Scientists, journalists, teachers and organisation members have joined the observation camp. Bigyan Sanskrite Parishad and astronomical association helped Anushandhitshu Chokro to organise the program.
  • Anushandhitshu Chokro organised first inter school general knowledge competition in Dhaka City in 1997. Different schools of Dhaka city have participated this Program. After completing the First Inter-school General Knowledge Competition successfully, Anushandhitshu Chokro organised second inter school general knowledge in 1998. Some schools of Narayanganj, Norsindhi also added in the competition.
  • Devastating flood in 1998, Anushandhitshu Chokro helped and gathered food for at least 70 of 80 families in manda (eastern locality of Dhaka city). In every year Anushandhitshu Chokro collect cloths, books form various parts of Dhaka city and distribute those things to poor people of northern districts of Bangladesh.
  • Anushandhitshu Chokro organised the science club association of Bangladesh for build up a big platform of science club for flourishing science all over the country and developed the position of science club. At least 90-science club form different part of Bangladesh is the member of this association.

Publications
  • Shono Bali Moner Kathhaa (শোনো বলি মনের কথা) by Debiprasad Chattopadhya (দেবীপ্রসাদ চট্টোপাধ্যায়), 2006
  • George Carver, Kritadaashputra thheke Krishee Bigganee, জর্জ কার্ভার, ক্রীতদাস পুত্র থেকে কৃষিবিজ্ঞানী, (son of a slave turned agroscientist) Bangla translation of George Washington Carver by Anne Terry White, ২০০৬
  • Biggaan Dekhi Chaardhaar, বিজ্ঞান দেখি চারধার, an elementary book for science learners, writer Farooque Chowdhury, 2008
  • Anushandhitshu chokro, mugdapara branch quarterly published khobordar,[7] a Bengali science periodical.

References
  1. "Anushandhitshu Chokro's Website". Archived from the original on 11 September 2009. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  2. Galilean Night
  3. MediaBD webpage
  4. "জ্যোতির্বিদ্যার ওপর বাংলাদেশের নতুন ডাকটিকিট". Archived from the original on 15 July 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2009.
  5. Total Solar Eclipse 2009
  6. Rawshan, Taslima (29 July 2007). "The Summer Solstice Date". Star Campus. The Daily Star.
  7. science magazine Khobordar Web page
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