Jyotirvidya Parisanstha (JVP)

Jyotirvidya Parisanstha, widely known as JVP, is a non-profit association of amateur astronomers and the oldest organization of its kind in India. It was formed on 22 August 1944 to spread knowledge of astronomy among the public and to let its members make their own contribution to the field. The association is run entirely by volunteers and has operated as a registered charitable trust since 1945. It was designated a Research and Cultural Institute by the Maharashtra Director of Education in 1960, and it is affiliated to the Vigyan Prasar Network. JVP runs monthly overnight star parties, an annual basic astronomy course each May, public lectures by working scientists, astronomical study tours, exhibitions and free public programs for eclipses, transits and planetary oppositions. It also conducts programs on invitation for schools, colleges and clubs, shaped around the age group and background of the visiting group. Members use a books library of rare and current astronomy titles, a telescope library and the Kesariwada observatory, and work in groups on astrophotography, meteor observation, deep-sky observing and occultation timing. JVP serves as the official coordinator for the IOTA India chapter, and it hosted the first All India Amateur Astronomers Meet in 1991 and the first All India Messier Marathon in 2012.