Imagine a world where the mysteries of the cosmos are as familiar as the streets of your hometown. That’s the vision Manisha Dwa is bringing to life in Nepal, one star, one galaxy, and one curious mind at a time. But here’s where it gets controversial: in a country where astronomy is often overshadowed by more 'practical' fields, Dwa is proving that the universe isn’t just out there—it’s deeply connected to our daily lives, from the X-rays in hospitals to the satellites beaming our favorite shows. 'Everything is related,' she insists, challenging us to see the cosmos not as distant, but as integral to our existence.
Manisha Dwa, a 38-year-old astrophysicist, is on a mission to make the universe accessible to everyone, especially the youth of Nepal. As a PhD candidate in high-energy astrophysics, a project coordinator for the Nepal Astronomical Society (NASO), and a co-founder of the National Astronomy Olympiad in Nepal, she’s a force to be reckoned with. And this is the part most people miss: her journey wasn’t just about chasing stars—it was about breaking barriers in a male-dominated field.
When Dwa first stepped into a college physics class, she was one of only five or six women among 120 students. Initially drawn to biology, where the gender ratio favored women, she pivoted to physics after a male friend suggested it was 'too hard' for girls. 'I took it as a challenge,' she recalls. 'Why not?' But the challenges didn’t end there. In a field dominated by men, women often had to stand in overcrowded classrooms and were relegated to observing experiments rather than conducting them. Yet, Dwa persevered, choosing astrophysics for her Master’s—a field with even fewer women.
Her passion for space was ignited in childhood, gazing at the night sky from her rooftop in Pokhara. Her mother, a primary school teacher, nurtured her curiosity, explaining the stars and satellites. But during her Master’s, the spark dimmed. 'It was all chalk and talk,' she admits. Frustrated, she nearly quit—until she found her calling at NASO in 2013.
Back then, NASO was a fledgling organization with no office, just a few broken laptops, and a big dream: to make astronomy a household name in Nepal. Fast forward to today, and NASO has achieved something unprecedented—membership in the International Astronomical Union (IAU), a 100-year-old organization that no Nepali group had ever joined. Here’s the bold part: this isn’t just a win for NASO; it’s a game-changer for Nepali astronomers, connecting them to a global network of experts.
NASO’s focus? Education, research, and outreach. They train teachers, offer student courses, and provide telescopes and books to students and minority groups across Nepal. 'We want to give them an open platform to think critically and create,' Dwa explains, addressing the lack of such opportunities in the country. Their efforts have reached thousands, with students not just learning astronomy but taking it to their communities. But here’s the question: Can this model be replicated in other underserved regions globally?
Dwa’s impact extends beyond Nepal. As a co-founder of the National Astronomy Olympiad Organizing Committee, she mentors students for international competitions, leveling the playing field for Nepali participants. Three former Olympiad participants now study at Harvard, a testament to her vision. In 2020, she was honored by the NGO SSVI, joining scientists and Nobel laureates in signing telescopes for children with disabilities and underserved communities.
Her story is one of resilience and inspiration. 'We focus on success, not the journey,' she reflects. 'I want to share my struggles to encourage others not to give up.' Looking ahead, Dwa and NASO dream big: more research, more women in astronomy, and Nepal’s first observatory—a hub for international students. 'We lack expensive instruments,' she admits, 'but we have the world’s largest laboratory: the dark sky.'
Here’s the controversial twist: that dark sky is under threat. Light pollution has already made stars invisible to 80% of the world’s population, and scientists warn they could disappear entirely in 20 years. NASO is fighting back with projects to protect Nepal’s night sky, not just for astronomy but for education, culture, and even astro-tourism. 'The sky unites us,' Dwa says. 'No matter where you’re from, we all live under the same stars.'
So, here’s the question for you: Is preserving the night sky a luxury, or a necessity for humanity’s connection to the cosmos? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation as vast as the universe itself.
