about us
Story of OSF
It all started with a group of young science enthusiasts, driven by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering desire to transform the way science was taught and perceived in our very own communities. We were a bunch of graduates who spent countless hours engrossed in deep conversations about the marvels of science. It was during these discussions that the idea took flight, and we named ourselves “Siragugal,” drawing inspiration from the Tamil word for “wings.” We envisioned a journey that would take science back to our roots, back to the streets, villages, and forests that had nurtured us. Our mission was clear: we wanted to show our brothers and sisters that there was so much more to science than what meets the eye. And so, armed with a telescope, we embarked on an adventure, exploring every nook and cranny of Tamil Nadu.
With each step we took, we revealed the captivating beauty of the sky to those around us. The moon, planets, and nebulas became our guides as we shared their awe-inspiring presence with the people we encountered. Slowly but surely, our sky observation events gained traction, captivating the imaginations of students, schools, academic institutions, and community centers alike.
But as our graduation drew near, reality came knocking on our doors. We had to grapple with the need to secure our livelihoods and focus on our careers. It was a challenging time, and yet, amidst the uncertainties, there was one thing that kept us going—the radiant smiles and the twinkling eyes of those who witnessed the night sky through our telescope for the very first time. Those moments became our driving force.
We realized that to sustain our efforts and create a lasting impact, we needed a more structured and strategic approach. We recognized the importance of decentralization and localization in science communication activities. And so, Open Space Foundation was born—a culmination of our collective aspirations and a commitment to making a difference. In 2018, we registered OSF as a trust, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our journey.
OSF has touched the lives of over 10,000 students, spreading its wings across the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. And now, our vision extends beyond these borders as we set our sights on expanding our activities to other parts of our incredible nation.
But as our graduation drew near, reality came knocking on our doors. We had to grapple with the need to secure our livelihoods and focus on our careers. It was a challenging time, and yet, amidst the uncertainties, there was one thing that kept us going—the radiant smiles and the twinkling eyes of those who witnessed the night sky through our telescope for the very first time. Those moments became our driving force.
We realized that to sustain our efforts and create a lasting impact, we needed a more structured and strategic approach. We recognized the importance of decentralization and localization in science communication activities. And so, Open Space Foundation was born—a culmination of our collective aspirations and a commitment to making a difference. In 2018, we registered OSF as a trust, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our journey.
OSF has touched the lives of over 10,000 students, spreading its wings across the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. And now, our vision extends beyond these borders as we set our sights on expanding our activities to other parts of our incredible nation.
OUR VISION
- Universal Access to Quality Science Education: OSF is committed to ensuring that quality science education, along with a focus on space science, becomes accessible to all, thereby inspiring curiosity, critical thinking, and scientific innovation in students.
- Empowering the Next Generation: OSF envisions a world where the youth, regardless of their background, have the opportunity and resources to explore, understand, and contribute to the wonders of science, especially in the realms of space and astronomy.
- Fostering Inclusivity: OSF strives to break down gender and socio-economic barriers in science education, actively encouraging the participation of girls, underprivileged students, and marginalized communities, and working to eliminate gender stereotypes in STEM fields.
4. Promoting Citizen Science and Research: OSF’s vision includes nurturing a culture of citizen science, open science and research, where students and educators are motivated to engage in scientific activities and contribute to real-world problems & scientific projects.
5. Creating Global Awareness: OSF aspires to increase global awareness and interest in the fields of space science and astronomy by actively participating in international projects and collaborations, contributing to a broader understanding of the cosmos
