CHANDIGARH–August 2, 2008: Punjab State Council for Science and Technology in collaboration with Vigyan Prasar, DST, GOI and Department of Physics, Punjab University organized a five day Astronomy Workshop for Vigyan Prasar Network (VIPNET) clubs of Punjab.
The workshop was organized from 29 July to 02 August 2008.The workshop was attended by 65 physics teachers from all the 20 district of Punjab. This training program has been designed by a team of Scientists and Professors who are engaged in designing and disseminating the astronomy to the teachers.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. M.M.Gupta , Head Department of Physics, Punjab University , Chandigarh. Dr. Neelam Gulati Sharma from PSCST outlined the objectives of the workshop and informed about the various activities of the council. Dr. Manjit Kaur who was the coordinator of this program gave the details of the same.
Mr. Nimish Kapoor, Scientist from Vigyan Prasar briefed the teachers about the role of Vigyan Prasar and how science can be made easy through the ‘Do it yourself’ activities.
Mr. Arvind C. Ranade helped the participants to assemble the 39 mm Galilean simple refractor telescope. He also gave a talk on ‘Measurement and Scale’ in Astronomy. He also gave the details of a log book and some activities which could be covered by the participants with the help of their students. He gave lectures on how to pursue the interest in astronomy and focus on how to make a career in astronomy. Dr. Sandeep Sahijpal from Panjab University spoke on the origin of solar system, and how the planets have their unique identity in the universe?
Dr. Vipin Bhatnagar from Punjab University, gave a demonstration on night sky watching with R. K. Yadav from Vigyan Prasar. Mr. M.S.Marwaha from Guru Gobind Singh College, Sector 26, Chandigarh gave an exclusive demonstration on practicals in physics at various undergraduate levels.
Dr. Neelam Gulati Sharma from Punjab State Council for Science and Technology (PSCST), Additional Director organized a special session for live program on (total) partial solar eclipse on 01 August 2008. She played a leading role in successful implementation of of this workshop.
Kits on demonstration on physics and astronomy were distributed to the participants including the telescopes which were assembled. On the last day a Quiz Competion was held amongst the participants and the winners were given publications of Vigyan Prasar as Prizes. A prominent feature of this workshop was a film on Einstein, Aaisa hi Hota Hai (VP’s video programme) and films on Solar eclipse.