Srinagar, Nov 6: The research carried by the students of Kashmir University and its affiliated colleges will now be directly connected with economic, social development   and also with the policy development of the state. 
 This was stated by the KU Vice-Chancellor Prof Riyaz Punjabi at the valedictory event of the 4-day Workshop on Advances in Astronomy and Astrophysics organized by   the Department of Physics in collaboration with Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), Pune.
 The most important developments in astronomy over the last decade, including the results of recent investigations on extra solar planetary systems, black holes, and the existence of water in space, besides exploring the societal implications of such developments came under discussion during the workshop
 Prof Punjabi said that there are “gaps in educational physics which need to be filled.”
 He said the workshops like these help in that direction.  Saying that Astronomy and Astrophysics are growing fields, the VC said: “We work hard to inspire and update young teachers, research scholars and M Sc students about the frontline areas of research in Astronomy and astrophysics.”
  “If you are not in tune with latest developments then you are left behind,” said the VC while advising the students and scholars to have latest know how of the developments in science and technology.
 In his address, the Head, Department of Physics, Prof Farooq Ahmad, said varsity was committed to promote science, education and    research.
  “We want that our teaching-learning process ultimately benefits our society. That is what we aim at. And such workshops and conferences are an attempt in that direction,” he said.
 Prof Farooq said the department was ready to start an Observatory at Gulmarg. “I am happy to inform you that our research papers have been published in reputable journals in different parts of the world,” he added.
 Dr Farooq said that the aim of this workshop was to inspire and update young teachers, research scholars and M. Sc. students about the frontline areas of the research.
 The organising   secretary of the workshop, Dr Manzoor Ahmad Malik, highlighted the objectives of the workshop. Leading physicists from premier Astronomy and Astrophysics centers of India  including  Prof Tarun Sourdeep ,Prof Gulab Dewangan, Prof Jasjeet  S Baghla, Prof S Sami  Prof Ranjeev Mishra , Prof  Swara Ravindernath  were  the invited speakers of this workshop besides other delegates.

Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Nov 2009 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Fri, 6 Nov 2009 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Sat, 7 Nov 2009 00:00:00 IST