One-Day Workshop on Astronomy Popularization Conducted at PDUAM, Eraligool

Way2barak, February 12 : The IUCAA Centre for Astronomy Research and Development (ICARD) of the Department of Physics, Assam University, Silchar, in collaboration with the Department of Physics, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Adarsha Mahavidyalaya (PDUAM), Eraligool, Sribhumi, successfully organized a one-day Astronomy Popularization Workshop at the college premises.

The inaugural session was presided over by Dr. Jayasree Chakrabarty, Principal, PDUAM, Eraligool, Sribhumi. Distinguished guests on the dais included Prof. Himadri Sekhar Das, Coordinator, ICARD, Assam University, Silchar (AUS) and Head, Department of Physics, AUS; Mr. Rajat Subhra Paul, Head, Department of Physics, Karimganj College, Sribhumi; Dr. Pritibhajan Byakti, Event Coordinator and Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, PDUAM; and Dr. Abinash Suklabaidya, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics, PDUAM.

Eighty students participated in the event, including 50 students from three nearby schools and 30 undergraduate students. Faculty members and non-teaching staff also attended, contributing to the event’s success.

The technical session featured three insightful lectures. Prof. Himadri Sekhar Das delivered a talk on “Beyond the Horizon: A Fresh Perspective on Our Solar System,” providing attendees with a deeper understanding of celestial dynamics. Dr. Pritibhajan Byakti presented an engaging discussion on asteroids, focusing on Bennu. Dr. Abinash Suklabaidya concluded the session with an informative talk on solar and lunar eclipses.

An Astro-Art competition was held, showcasing students’ artistic interpretations of astronomical phenomena. Mr. Rajat Subhra Paul judged the competition and also delivered a presentation on Astronomy and Astro-Art. The winners were Rinki Roy (1st Prize), Sweety Das (2nd Prize), and Mousufa Abedin (3rd Prize) from Royal English Academy, Baraigram, Sribhumi.

A quiz competition on Astronomy, coordinated by research scholars Mr. Bhaskarjyoti Barman, Ms. Sanchali Nath Mazumdar (Quiz Master), and Ms. Nambram Niroda Devi, saw enthusiastic participation from eight teams of undergraduate students from the PDUAM Physics Department. The winners were Suman Sinha & Saurabh Sinha (1st Prize), Sagar Dutta & Suranjit Das (2nd Prize), and Anirban Sinha & Dipasri Singha (3rd Prize). The prize distribution ceremony was attended by Prof. Himadri Sekhar Das, Mr. Rajat Subhra Paul, Dr. Pritibhajan Byakti, Dr. Abinash Suklabaidya, and Dr. Sibasish Dutta.

The workshop provided a valuable platform for students to enhance their understanding of astronomy and engage in interactive learning experiences. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of organizers, faculty, and participants.