"Its a myth that the sun is stationary. It rotates and revolves around its own axis. The sun is very important as it gives us life. Thus, all of us are star children." said professor S Natarajan to more than 35 children and adults at a Powai housing society. With a five inch reflector telescope, 49-year-old Mahim resident Natarajan has been spreading knowledge on astronomy for more than 18 years, and that too free of cost.

Natarajan graduated with a BA in English literature but has been passionate about astronomy ever since he was a child. "I was eight years old when my father showed me the north star and that's when I fell in love with this subject," said Natarajan who is also an honorary lecturer at Nehru planetarium since 1984.

What began in childrens' parks with a lot of suspicion from parents and elders, this endeavour has reached across India where he has conducted more than 3,000 lectures. Natarajan has travelled to small towns, villages and cities to educate literate as well as illiterate people about the various galaxies, constellations, planets, the moon, birth and death of stars and eclipses to dispel long held traditional beliefs. "The subject of astronomy is not taught well in school. It is my mission to create scientific temperament regarding this topic and to disprove superstitions. I got operated on my varicose veins on the day of the recent lunar eclipse," said Natarajan, who is also a BSNL employee.

Shalini Virat, whose children attended the program said that this was the second time they had invited professor Natarajan. "Three months ago we saw planets and the moon in the sky and when children see what they are taught in school, they retain it better,"she said.

Natarajan has travelled to Gujarat, Chandigarh, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh and wherever he goes, he only charges for conveyance and not for the lectures. Dr Uma Sivaraman, the assistant commissioner of Kendriya Vidyalaya Sanghatan in Chennai, has known him for more than 15 years. She has invited him to conduct more than 13 shows all over the country. "He is able to instill interest in children and you can see the joy on their faces when they see the night sky. These days children are so busy that they don't go out of the house, forget watching the night sky," she said over the phone.

Twenty one-year-old Pooja Tolia is another honorary lecturer at the planetarium who teaches the making of telescopes. She has been motivated by him to take up imparting of education on a bigger scale. "Many people confuse astronomy with astrology. With his style of teaching, people of all age groups understand the topic. He has helped me improve my communication skills and pushed me to conduct such programs," she said.

The next thing on Natarajan's timeline is approaching hotels for star gazing and other astronomy events. "Astronomy teaches man humility, which in turn boosts creativity and innovation," he said.

Contact of S Natarajan Phone: 9869264477 Email: natarajans23@gmail.com

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Free astronomy lessons for the starry-eyed