Ashoka Reflections_DECEMBER 2023
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Ashoka Reflections | Page 09
The first round of the full complement of current Astronomy Minor courses is just about to be completed. It
has been an exciting time putting the programme together, but this is only the beginning. Based on this
experience, the courses will be improved and fine-tuned. Astrophysics research is already being carried out by
several Ph.D. and ASP students, this component will expand to involve more undergraduates. New courses of
an interdisciplinary nature, drawing on the diverse strengths of Ashoka, are also under discussion.
What has been wonderful to see is the student enthusiasm both in and outside the classroom. Astronomy
activity in the campus has picked up greatly. The Astronomy Club has now become a fully functional Society
and is organising frequent programmes, often jointly with other student societies. Astronomy content has
made its way into the Young India Fellowship, the Young Scholars Programme and the Lodha Genius
Programme. An increasing number of Ashoka students are now engaging in Astronomy internships at other
institutions.
Students have also helped shape the astronomy programme to a great extent. Over two summers,
exploratory projects undertaken by Ashoka undergraduates have contributed to the final design of laboratory
experiments. A special mention is due to Philip Cherian, Ph.D. scholar in Physics, who has been intimately
involved and has had an immense role to play in all these activities.
With the enthusiasm, support, help and technical expertise at all levels, Ashoka provides a very special
ecosystem where it has been a privilege to grow the Astronomy programme. Thanks are due to many,
including the Physics faculty, the Board of Studies, the Academic Council, all the Deans, the Board of
Management and the constant encouragement by the Vice Chancellors, both past and present. We look
forward to the times ahead.
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