The SECAB Institute of Engineering and Technology College in Vijayapura recently hosted an inspiring one-day technical workshop titled “Challenges and Opportunities of Radio Astronomy.” This event aimed to ignite students’ interest in the fascinating field of cosmic exploration.
The workshop was inaugurated by Abdul Khader Patewale, a distinguished electronics engineer from the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics. He shared his expertise and insights, emphasizing the historical journey and modern relevance of astronomy.
Patewale highlighted that astronomy has captivated scholars globally for millennia, with countless individuals making significant contributions since ancient times. He noted that a pivotal astronomy textbook from 1971 provided a crucial boost to the field’s development in India, propelling it into a new era of discovery.
Reflecting on the past, he explained how medieval scientists often relied on memory and experience for predicting astronomical events like solar eclipses. However, inaccuracies often arose due to the lack of precise time measurement, a challenge that spurred advancements in scientific study. Today, astronomy remains an indispensable field for understanding our planets, the vast expanse of the sky, and the myriad celestial bodies beyond Earth.
Patewale passionately encouraged the engineering students present to delve deeper into space exploration and seriously consider astronomy as a rewarding academic and career path.
The workshop saw the participation of notable faculty members including Shuja Punekar, Syed Abbas Ali, Aslam Karjagi, Ravi Hosamani, Mohammed Ziaullah Chaudhary, Sadiq Mujawara, Wasim Nidgundi, Benazir Muntesir, Arif Makandar, and M.R. Chikkonda, alongside staff and eager students, all contributing to a successful and enlightening event.