Lucknow: The Department of Physics at Lucknow University today hosted the 15th Prof. T.P. Pandya Memorial Lecture, a distinguished annual academic event held in honour of Prof. T.P. Pandya—former Head of the Department, respected administrator, and a freedom fighter born in 1930.
This year’s invited speaker was Dr. Sunil Chandra, a senior scientist at the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Mount Abu Observatory. Known for his extensive international experience, including research engagements in the USA and Cape Town, South Africa, Dr. Chandra delivered a highly engaging and insightful lecture that captivated students and faculty alike.
During his address, Dr. Chandra provided an in-depth overview of the Mount Abu Observatory, detailing its advanced facilities and the variety of telescopes used for cutting-edge astronomical observations. He encouraged undergraduate (B.Sc.) and postgraduate (M.Sc.) students to pursue one- or two-month internships at PRL. These internships, he explained, can be credited towards term papers or master’s theses. Under this structure, a Lucknow University faculty member would serve as the local guide, while a PRL scientist would act as the external supervisor.
Dr. Chandra also introduced students to six major astrophysical phenomena, including blazars, supernovae, mergers, and X-ray emissions, helping them understand how these cosmic events shape modern astronomy. His clarity, expertise, and global exposure made the session particularly inspiring for young researchers.
Students asked several questions during the interactive session, reflecting their keen interest and appreciation for the lecture’s rich scientific content.
The event was attended by Department Head Prof. Omkar Prasad, Convener Prof. R.K. Shukla, and all faculty members. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Prof. Amritanshu Shukla.
