Dr. Ronaldo Laishram named galaxy cluster ‘Loktak Protocluster’ after Manipur’s Loktak Lake
Mysuru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during the 136th episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat on July 26, highlighted the achievements of Manipur-born astrophysicist Dr. Ronaldo Laishram, whose groundbreaking research on a young galaxy cluster has earned international recognition.
Speaking during the programme, the Prime Minister cited inspiring initiatives and accomplishments from across the country, including Dr. Laishram’s contribution to astronomy.
“I would like to tell you all about Dr. Ronaldo Laishram from Manipur. His name is Ronaldo, but he is an astrophysicist. He works in Japan and was part of the team that discovered a large cluster of young galaxies. They named this entire cluster the ‘Loktak Protocluster’, after a beautiful lake in Manipur,” PM Modi said.
JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU), Mysuru, congratulated its distinguished alumnus on being recognised by the Prime Minister for his contribution to astrophysics.
Dr. Laishram graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science and Engineering from Sri Jayachamarajendra College of Engineering (SJCE), now JSS STU, before pursuing his Master’s and Ph.D in Astronomy and Astrophysics at Tohoku University in Japan.
He is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan (NAOJ), where his research focuses on the formation and evolution of galaxies in the early universe.
As part of an international team of researchers, Dr. Laishram contributed to the discovery of a massive protocluster of young galaxies that existed around 12.6 billion years ago.
The discovery was made using observations from the Subaru Telescope in Hawaii and the James Webb Space Telescope. The research findings were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
In recognition of his roots, Dr. Laishram named the newly discovered structure the “Loktak Protocluster” after Loktak Lake, Manipur’s iconic freshwater lake and the largest in Northeast India.
During his address, PM Modi said the scientist’s journey demonstrated how scientific excellence and cultural identity could go hand in hand.
He noted that naming the discovery after Loktak Lake had brought global attention to Manipur through astronomy while inspiring young Indians to pursue excellence without losing touch with their heritage.
Congratulating its alumnus, JSS STU said Dr. Laishram’s achievement reflected the power of curiosity, perseverance and innovation and expressed hope that his work would inspire young minds to dream big and contribute to scientific discovery.
