Henkel Adhesives Technologies India (Henkel India) has set up an Astronomy Laboratory and Observatory called Aryabhatta Astronomy Lab in RF Naik Vidyalaya & Junior College, Koparkhairane, in collaboration with Global Mission Astronomy, India.

The Astronomy Laboratory and Observatory, set up under Henkel India’s CSR plan for FY 2024-25, was inaugurated by Bulent Pehlivan - regional head of Finance Henkel IMEA, S Sunil Kumar - country president Henkel India, Krishna Prasad - head of finance - Henkel India & Pakistan, Sandeep Naik - president - Shramik Shikshan Mandal, Sagarji Naik - secretary - Shramik Shikshan Mandal and Sanjeev Naik of Shramik Shikshan Mandal. 

Bulent Pehlivan, regional head of finance Henkel IMEA, said, “The  Astronomy Lab and Observatory CSR initiative of Henkel India will generate interest among students in astronomy and space right from the school level, thereby setting a breeding ground for future scientists and astronomers from India and the region.” 

Henkel Adhesive Technology leadership with school children and teachers at the inauguration of the Astronomy Laboratory and Observatory at R. F. Naik Vidyalaya & Junior College, Koparkhairane.

Henkel has already set up astronomy observatories & laboratories at 10 locations in Pune district. The Aryabhatta Astronomy Lab in Koparkhairane is the 11th such lab. These astronomy laboratories and observatories give students an opportunity to participate in asteroid exploration, planetary exploration and build curiosity about the universe encouraging them to question what lies beyond. The aim is to enable 10,000 students to undertake space research from these labs. 

Sunil Kumar said, “In line with our purpose, 'Pioneers at heart for the Good of generations,' at Henkel India, we strive to ensure the future readiness of society through our CSR initiatives. With an aim to offer equitable and inclusive quality education, we are happy to provide exposure on astronomy and space to government school students through this CSR intervention, which is a new concept in India. We hope this will spark interest in some of the students to take it up as a career in the future.”

With its brands, innovations and technologies, Henkel holds leading market positions worldwide in the industrial and consumer businesses. The adhesive technologies business unit is a global leader in the market for adhesives, sealants and functional coatings.

Henkel in India has two legal entities, Henkel Adhesives Technologies India Private Limited (a wholly owned subsidiary of Henkel) and Henkel Anand India Private Limited (a joint venture company of Henkel and Anand Group). 

The adhesive technologies business operates primarily in the business-to-business realm in the country, while in the consumer brands business, Henkel has a strong presence in the hair professional business and offers hair coloration products for the consumer segment. 

Headquartered in Navi Mumbai, the adhesive technologies business has a footprint comprising five manufacturing sites, two innovation centers, a customer experience center, a flexible packaging academy and an application center for the Sports & Fashion SBU, while the hair business has five Schwarzkopf Professional academies.