A Ladakh-based engineer has become the first Indian Honorary Member of International Astronomical Union (IAU) along with ten others from around the world, joining a select list of 20 international experts.

Dorje Angchuk of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science & Technology, Govt of India, is also the first Indian to bag the position in the prestigious body.

This honour is meant to officially recognise those individuals who have significantly contributed to the progress of astronomical research and culture in their country. The recognition by IAU is for ‘his passionate promotion of astronomy in Ladakh region, through his excellent astrophotography’.