Aditya-L1 Scientist Nigar Shaji Donates Rs 11 Lakh To Her Alma Mater Aryananallur Govt School

Nigar Shaji, the mastermind behind India’s groundbreaking solar observatory, Aditya-L1, is capturing attention not just for her scientific achievements but also for her philanthropy. Reports highlight her generous donations to her alma mater, the Aryananallur Government Primary School in Sengottai, Tamil Nadu, paving the way for crucial developments.

According to Local18 reports, Nigar Shaji, an alumna of Aryananallur Government Primary School, has made significant contributions towards enhancing facilities in two other institutions, namely the Government Girls Higher Secondary School at Ariyannalur and SRM Government Girls Higher Secondary School. Her donations encompass the provision of toilet facilities and aid for the construction of a science laboratory and additional restrooms at the Kadayanallur Government Girls Higher Secondary School.

In a notable gesture, Nigar Shaji’s brother, Seksaleem, presented a cheque worth Rs 11 lakh to the Sengottai Municipal Commissioner during a ceremony attended by the headmasters of the beneficiary schools. Further reports indicate that additional funds will be allocated under the Namakku Naame project, complementing Nigar Shaji’s donations. These funds are earmarked for the construction of essential infrastructure in the respective schools.

Nigar Shaji, a scientist based in Bengaluru, currently serves at the UR Rao Satellite Centre, an integral part of ISRO. Her role as the project director for India’s inaugural solar observatory in space, Aditya L1, has garnered widespread recognition. Over four months, Aditya L1 has covered an impressive distance of 3.7 million kilometres, tracing a circuitous path while conducting detailed studies of the sun, completing what is metaphorically termed the ‘celestial Surya namaskar.’

With nine years dedicated to the Aditya L1 project, Nigar Shaji describes it as a ‘complex scientific satellite.’ Her educational journey commenced in Sengottai, where she pursued her initial studies at Aryananallur Government Primary School. Subsequently, she pursued higher education at the Government College of Engineering, Madurai Kamaraj University, Tirunelveli, earning a degree in electronics and communications. Her academic journey continued with a master’s degree in electronics from the Birla Institute of Technology.

In the synthesis of scientific excellence and altruism, Nigar Shaji exemplifies a commitment to both groundbreaking research and uplifting communities through her charitable endeavours.