Former NASA astronaut visits school in Koteshwor

NASA’s former astronaut and scientist Dr Sandra Hall Magnus in Koteshwor-based Kanjirowa National Secondary School. Photo: Kanjirowa National Secondary School
NASA’s former astronaut and scientist Dr Sandra Hall Magnus in Koteshwor-based Kanjirowa National Secondary School. Photo: Kanjirowa National Secondary School

KATHMANDU: NASA’s former astronaut and scientist Dr Sandra Hall Magnus has visited Koteshwor-based Kanjirowa National Secondary School.

In a press release issued by the school, it is stated that Magnus was welcomed by the school’s management team in a special programme to grace her visit. Executive Director of the school, Mahendra Khanal said, "Dr Magnus’s visit has created a lot of excitement among students and has encouraged them to pursue their dream in Astronomy."

Likewise, Executive Chairman of the school, Kapil Dev Regmi asserted that the school has been collaborating with various American institutions in Education, Technology and Culture, and Magnus's visit was another milestone in their collaborations.

Addressing the school assembly and special interaction programme, Magnus shed some light on her childhood goal to become an astronaut which she accomplished owing to her rigorous study and research. She shared that becoming a scientist at NASA was a dream come true for her, and asserted that with concentrated effort, dedication and honesty anybody could accomplish her/his goal.

On the occasion, she also gave highly informative presentation incorporating her special mission to the Moon to the students, following which she interacted with the students and responded to their thought provoking questions.

The former astronaut also handed a replica of an art created by student Bipina Sharma to the Chairman of Robotics Association of Nepal Bikash Gurung.

The press release further states, a concluding note by school principal Ranjeet Thapa expressed that the entire Kanjirowa family was highly indebted to Magnus for her visit, which was a practical learning opportunity for the students. He also said that Kanjirowa would give continuity to such programmes in the near future as well.

NASA’s former astronaut and scientist Dr Sandra Hall Magnus in Koteshwor-based Kanjirowa National Secondary School. Photo: Kanjirowa National Secondary School
NASA’s former astronaut and scientist Dr Sandra Hall Magnus in Koteshwor-based Kanjirowa National Secondary School. Photo: Kanjirowa National Secondary School

Similarly, a group of students also performed in a cultural programme in honour of their guest.