Immortalized in Galaxy: Rajasthan Students’ Asteroid Tribute to Piplodi Students

A Unique Example of Science, Compassion, and Inspiration

The school building collapse that occurred in Piplodi village in Rajasthan’s Jhalawar district in July 2025 had shocked the entire nation. Seven innocent students lost their lives in this tragic incident, and more than 27 were seriously injured.

Now, a unique and inspiring initiative has emerged to immortalize the memory of the deceased students of the school collapse tragedy, one that unites education, science, and human sensitivity.

Asteroid named in the memory of deceased students

As per media reports, students of Science from a Government Senior Secondary school, Unhel in Jhalawar district no longer want the memory of these deceased children confined to Earth.

They are proposing to name an asteroid discovered in the Milky Way after the children killed in the Piplodi tragedy. This initiative is not only a scientific achievement but also an emotional tribute.

How Asteroids Were Discovered

Under the guidance of their mentor Dr. Dibyendu Sen, posted at Mahatma Gandhi Government School in Pachpahar, Jhalawar, students participated in the IASC–NASA Asteroid Search Campaign during 2020–21. As part of this international scientific campaign, students analyzed astronomical data and discovered four new asteroids.

These students, including Sanjay Kumar, Harshita Dangi, Komal Kanwar, and Sugandha Kumari are now pursuing higher education at various colleges. Collectively, these students have discovered 12 main-belt asteroids so far, a significant achievement.

International Recognition and Naming Process

Recently, the International Astronomical Search Collaboration (IASC) informed via email that all four asteroids discovered in 2020–21 have completed one full orbit around the Sun. They have also been assigned permanent numbers internationally, signifying that their orbits have been scientifically validated.

One of these four asteroids will be reserved for the relevant survey organization, while students will have the right to suggest names for the remaining three. This naming will be done as per the international scientific standards.

“PRAMISHKA”: A symbol derived from the names of seven innocent children

According to Dr. Dibyendu Sen, the students have expressed their desire in writing that asteroid 2021 DB5 be named in memory of the seven children who lost their lives in the Piplodi accident. The proposed name is “PRAMISHKA,” a combination of the initials of these children’s names— Kundan (10), Payal (13), Satish (8), Priyanka (12), Harish (11), Kanha (7), and Meena (12),.

A few other abbreviations are also being considered, the final name of which will be decided through an international process.

This initiative sends a strong message that with the right guidance, resources, and motivation, even students from government schools can achieve global recognition.

The memory of the children who lost their lives in the Piplodi school tragedy will no longer be confined to their village or district. If this proposal is approved, their memory will forever shine like an asteroid in the galaxy. This is a rare confluence of science and human emotions, inspiring learning, compassion, and determination in generations to come.

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Aabshar Hassan Quazi

Aabshar H. Quazi is a seasoned education writer associated with ALLEN Career Institute, where he crafts insightful blogs on competitive exam trends, student journeys, and academic guidance. With a background in journalism, Aabshar has worked as Principal Correspondent for Hindustan Times, honing his skills in storytelling, analysis, and impactful reporting. His writing blends credibility with clarity, making complex topics accessible for students and parents alike.