The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) in Pune is gearing up to celebrate a significant milestone. The prestigious institute will mark its 37th Foundation Day on December 29, 2025, with a special open lecture followed by a public skygazing event, inviting citizens to partake in the celebrations.
A Lecture on Humanity's Epoch: Rethinking the Anthropocene
The cornerstone of the evening will be a thought-provoking lecture titled 'Why yesterday matters for tomorrow: Rethinking the Anthropocene'. This talk will be delivered by the distinguished Professor Mahesh Rangarajan from Ashoka University. Scheduled for 5:30 PM, the lecture will take place at the Chandrasekhar Auditorium located on the IUCAA campus.
Professor Rangarajan's discourse will delve into the concept of the Anthropocene, a proposed geological epoch where human activity has become the dominant influence on Earth's climate and environment. The talk will trace the last 250 years, a period marked by the ascendancy of fossil fuels since around 1780, which has coincided with stark global disparities in power, wealth, and knowledge.
Importantly, the lecture will explore how India's millennia-long history of sustainable management of land and water resources offers crucial lessons for the present. The talk aims to argue that blending these ancient wisdoms with modern scientific understanding within a democratic framework could pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive future, one that fosters peace with our planet's living ecosystems for generations to come.
Stargazing for All: A Public Celestial Spectacle
Following the intellectual engagement, the night sky will take center stage. From 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM, IUCAA will host a public sky gazing session. This event provides a fantastic opportunity for astronomy enthusiasts and curious minds alike to observe celestial objects through telescopes under expert guidance, weather permitting.
Both the lecture and the skygazing event are free and open to all citizens. For those unable to attend in person, the foundation day lecture will be streamed live on the IUCAA SciPOP YouTube channel, ensuring wider access to the insightful discussion.
IUCAA's Legacy and the Speaker's Credentials
IUCAA itself has a rich history, having been founded in 1988 under the visionary leadership of the late Professor Jayant Narlikar and his colleagues. The centre was established with the core mission of bolstering university-level research and development in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics in India.
The speaker, Professor Mahesh Rangarajan, brings a unique interdisciplinary perspective to the event. He is a Professor of History and Environmental Studies at Ashoka University and also chairs the Archives of Contemporary India. An alumnus of Hindu College, University of Delhi, he pursued further studies at Oxford's Balliol and Nuffield Colleges as a Rhodes Scholar. His professional journey includes a stint as an Assistant Editor at The Telegraph in Kolkata, and he has taught at several renowned institutions including the University of Delhi, Krea University, Cornell University, Jadavpur University, and the National Center for Biological Sciences in Bengaluru.
This 37th Foundation Day event underscores IUCAA's ongoing commitment not only to cutting-edge research but also to public outreach and education, bridging the gap between complex scientific concepts and the community at large.
