Doon Varsity holds lecture on National Science Day
By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, Feb 28: Eminent Indian space scientist and former Indian Research Space Organisation (ISRO) Chief Dr K Kasturirangan, today, called upon students to pursue research in astronomy and said that the time has come for India to move towards becoming one of the leaders in the field.
“Astronomy in 21st century is going to mark a very important phase in human history,” Dr Kasturirangan told a gathering of over 500 students, researchers, scientists, Vice Chancellors, professors and heads from various universities and institutions from across the country though a webinar organised by Research and Innovation Cell of Doon University on the occasion of National Science Day.
In her inaugural address, Doon University Vice Chancellor Professor Surekha Dangwal welcomed Dr Kasturirangan and said that science is the cornerstone of all developments in all walks of life. Highlighting the need to further pursue research in science in universities and other institutions, she emphasised that pursuit of science is rooted in Indian tradition and recalled the names of great Indian scientists, who attained the status of sages, from ancient times till date. “It is the pursuit of science that can take India to the level of a global power,” she said.
Emphasising on the need to promote research areas in various branches of astronomy in universities and other institutions, Dr Kasturirangan said that, while India on its own has the capability of heading the space expeditions, the country must also be part of international collaboration for optimal results in this area.
In this context, Dr Kasturirangan, who steered the Indian space programme as Chairman of ISRO for nine years and also headed the drafting committee on National Educational Policy 2020, discussed India’s contribution to the Thirty Metre Telescope which seeks to advance scientific knowledge while fostering connection among partner countries and LIGO for Detection of Gravitational Waves.
Stating that learning about various developments in astronomy and astrophysics could be very exciting, the former Rajya Sabha member and recipient of the Padma Vibhushan award emphasised on the importance of telescopes in the field of astronomy, while mentioning the James Webb Telescope which has the potential to see the farthest reaches of the universe.
Technology has pushed the frontiers of limits and technologies are expected to provide facilities with greater capabilities to gather observations needed to answer new and emerging questions in astronomy and physics in general, he said.
Prominent among those who attended the hybrid mode webinar included Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Director Dr Anjan Ray, former Founder Director of IIT Roorkee, Dr Prem Vrat, Sulabh International Founder Dr Bindeshwar Pathak, NEP Draft Committee member Dr Vasudha Kamat, NAAC Deputy Advisor Dr Leena Gahane, Vice Chancellors from various universities, officer bearers of Dr Ambedkar International Centre, scientists from Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Forest Research Institute (FRI), principals and science teachers from various schools of Uttarakhand, students, research scholars and faculty members of Doon University.
Professor H C Purohit from Doon University moderated the programme while Dr Achlesh Daverey proposed the vote of thanks. Dr Charu Dwivedi, Dr Arun Kumar, Dr Preeti Mishra, Dr Himani Sharma, Dr Dhriti Dhaundiyal and Saket Uniyal were the organisers of the progamme.
