IUCAA is remarkable in so many ways that while writing about it, brevity is not a viable option. From the point it was conceived as a centre for excellence in astronomy, the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics’ story has travelled from one landmark
to another.
Prof Jayant V Narlikar, the founder Director and emeritus professors now, initiated the centre’s establishment in Pune in 1988. “The first idea was to have a place where there is absolutely excellent work in astrophysics being done. The second thing was to, unlike other institutes, integrate it completely with the university systems; to set up a centre where people from all universities will come and continue their research. And from where they will take back the technology and inspirations with them,” says IUCAA Director, Professor Ajit K Kembhavi.
Professor Kembhavi summarises IUCAA’s phenomenal achievements in the field of astronomy and astrophysics research and popularisation by highlighting three points - the institute does good research in theoretical and observational areas; provides very good facilities for research; and does everything it does with people from different universities. About some of the more tangible achievements, he says, “We have an observatory with 2 metre optical telescope located at Girawali; we have a really good computer centre with high performance computing facilities; we have set up a very good instrument laboratory; and we are involved with the first Indian astronomy space mission - ASTROSAT.”
The popularisation of science, in particular astronomy, is part of the institute’s constitution, and is realised through the IUCAA Public Outreach Programme. Durgesh Tripathi, Assistant Professor, says, “This works in two parts – through an astronomy outreach programme with events like sky-watching, lectures and more, and also through access to rural programmes at rural science centres; and Science Toys Programme by making objects out of materials considered useless, and explaining science, especially physics, through them. From time to time we have lectures and workshops for school students and teachers. We celebrate National Science Day on February 28, to convey public about the research work we are involved-in through various posters, seminars, question and answer sessions, video demonstrations and more; last year we had about 10,000 people at the National Science Day.”
Gulab Chand Dewangan, Associate Professor, adds, “IUCAA has set up six resource centres at various universities across the country to promote research in Astronmy and astrophysics, where IUCAA provides necessary facilities - like computing, essential books and organize schools and workshops. In addition, in coordination with the resource centres IUCAA conducts public outreach workshops for school students and teachers to expand the awareness in astronomy across the country”.
For its academic achievements, and for making astronomy more fun, IUCAA is Truly Made in Pune.
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