PAS Got Telescope Donation From Mr. Riwaj Pokhrel

Pokhara Astronomical Society (PAS) has got a telescope donated by Mr. Riwaj Pokhrel. Two executives from PAS Creative Vice President Mr. Mahesh Thakuri and Secretary Mr. Jeevan Lamsal received ETX 90 MEADE telescope from Riwaj Pokhrel on August 3, 2012 in Kathmandu. Giving the Telescope Mr. Riwaj Pokhrel told that among many astronomy clubs in Nepal he chosed Pokhara Astronomical Society (PAS) to give his telescope. He believes PAS will actively do the outreach programs, talks, seminars and other awareness programs to increase the understanding in astronomy in Pokhara and its vicinity.

Secretary Mr. Jeevan Lamsal and
Creative Vice President Mr. Mahesh
Thakuri with Mr Riwaj Pokhrel Posing
after Telescope setup

Mr. Riwaj Pokhrel was born on 26 January 1986 in Dhangadi, the far western part of Nepal. He has a Master’s degree in Physics with major Astrophysics from Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu. He completed his Bachelors level in Physics from Trichandra Multiple Campus, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu after finishing his higher secondary and secondary level education from Siddhartha Academy and Siddhartha Shishu Sadan. He is the Executive Founder Member of Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO) and Country Coordinator

Mr. Mahesh Thakuri and Mr. Jeevan Lamsal
receiving Telescope from Mr. Riwaj Pokhrel

of Astronomers Without Boarders (AWB) for Nepal. He is the Group Member of Astrophysics and Cosmology Research Group, Central Department of Physics in Tribhuvan University and also the Group Member of Campaign Against Light Pollution CALP-Nepal.

Secretary Mr. Jeevan Lamsal with Mr. Riwaj Pokhrel
and Joan Chamberlin in a school of Pokhara

He has done a lot of contribution in the field of astronomy in Nepal. He has coordinated many outreach activities like star parties, observation campaign, space science programs in the different parts of Nepal. He has participated in many conferences and seminars which were organized internationally and nationally. He is the LOC member of most popular “International Conference on Astrophysics and Cosmology” which was held in Tribhuvan University, Nepal on 19th-22nd March, 2012. Also he is the LOC and SOC member of “Galileo teacher training program”, a special project of “Global hands on Universe” which was held in Eureka high school, Kathmandu, Nepal on 31st March, 2012.

Mr Riwaj Pokhrel with his family and with two PAS members

Before going University of Massachusetts in the United States of America for his PhD he introduced PAS to the AWB Team for other supports and help in the coming days. He assured that he will always appreciate the good works of PAS and if possible he will help from the United States too.

PAS thanked him for his remarkable donation and will always acknowledge his contribution in the history of PAS. This is the first and only telescope PAS has till the date. PAS want to wish him good luck and bright future in his life always.