SRINAGAR, May 10: Governor N.N. Vohra inaugurated the 34th Annual meeting of Astronomical Society of India (ASI) at the University of Kashmir here today.
Terming this event as being one of great significance for the State, particularly for scientific community, the Governor complimented Prof. Andrabi, Vice Chancellor and his concerned colleagues in the Kashmir University, for taking initiative of hosting this important scientific meeting.
Lauding the contributions of Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), the Governor observed that ISRO has contributed enormously in bringing worldwide high praise and recognition of India’s Space programmes. He observed that the launching of ASTROSAT by ISRO, a multi wavelength space observatory will go a long way in studying celestial phenomenon and providing timely data and advisories about emerging climatic patterns.
The Governor complimented Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, President Astronomical Society of India and appreciated that ASI has organized an outreach programme to enlarge awareness of students and teachers in the Valley. He said that this initiative will help in inculcating the scientific temperament in the educational institutions. The Governor expressed happiness that several of the University’s Post Graduate students and researchers are currently pursuing very significant projects in astrophysics. He observed that this has been possible only because of the extremely active support and keen personal interest of several eminent scientific institutions in the country. The Governor expressed confidence that the outcome of these significant scientific collaborations between Kashmir University, ASI and leading scientific institutions in the country will bring required recognition to the University in the field of science.
The Governor hoped that the ASI will further enhance and contribute towards its activities in the State by creating more astronomical facilities which would invigorate interest in scientific leaning among the youth of the State.
The Governor suggested to Prof. Andrabi to enable participants from all over the country to be able to visit and see the ancient rock cuttings in Burzhama and Sopore in the Valley, which are of high astronomical significance. He wished fruitful deliberations to the participants.
Dr. Kiran Kumar, Chairman Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, President Astronomical Society of India (ASI), spoke about the recent achievements, ongoing projects and future plans in the field of astrophysics in the country and the State. Prof. Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi, Vice-Chancellor, University of Kashmir also gave a brief account of ongoing astrophysics related activities in the University.
The ASI honoured Professor Farooq Ahmad, former Head of Physics Department in Kashmir University, for his important contributions to the field of astrophysics on the occasion. Presenting a shawl to Prof. Farooq Ahmad the Governor expressed very high praise of this Scientists’s work in collaboration with the Cambridge University of UK in the 1980’s onwards.
Dr. Manzoor Malik, HoD Physics, University of Kashmir presented the Welcome Address and Dr. Sajad Masood presented a Vote of Thanks.
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