Activities

ASTHA, which functions under the Department of Sciences since its inception in 2010, has been instrumental in changing the perception among the students about Science and providing a platform to celebrate the beauty of Science. ASTHA- Amrita Science and Technology Action Forum. The Club has been formed with the idea of inculcating genuine interest in the various facets of science and technology.

This club is about discovering new things, exploring the world around us and experimenting with the world around us. The objectives of the club are as follows:

1. Identify and nurture the passion for enquiry and implementation of tasks through inspired teamwork.
2. Track ongoing developments in science and technology, conceive and execute projects enabling students to understand the intricacies of the subject and to find practical and viable implementations.

ASTHA also organizes various seminars, workshops, quizzes, popular lectures and promotes interdisciplinary activities. Astha is the grooming ground for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Faculty members or students present their project ideas, inviting students and faculty who are interested to join the project, contribute and provide guidance. You are most welcome to join this club. For further details contact Ms. Lakshmi Mohan, Department of Sciences (Physics division).

Events Organized

• Faraday Induction programme, Inaugurated by Prof. M. P. Chandrasekharan, Dean Engineering.
• Sherlock – Crime Scene Investigation Crime Scene Investigation is the meeting point of Science and logic. Evolved from forensics, Sherlock provides a whole new thrill to the concept of deduction. Held as a two-day event, it comprises of two rounds – A preliminary written test has a set of logical questions and puzzles which is sure to put your grey cells to challenge. This was the biggest crowd-pulling event of ASTHA.
• Vinci – The Science Exhibition “Vinci”, named after the great master Leonardo Da Vinci, is a science fest organized exclusively for students to showcase ideas, innovations, and designs by putting up working models, presentations, and shows. Organized as a one-day event, Vinci attracts a big crowd from all around the campus.
• Eureka – The quiz Eureka is the science quiz conducted in the banner of ASTHA. It is yet another event of the club aiming at spreading Science, most simply and interestingly. Successful in both editions, Eureka has attracted and caught the attention of a big crowd of quiz enthusiasts. Conducted in two rounds as preliminary and final, the quiz has been more than a competition where the participants enjoyed and learned more.
• The ASTHA Week Events like “Techomaze”, a treasure hunt, “Gearz”- quiz on automobiles and machines, a workshop on the development of applications on Windows 8for the computer wizards and for the gamers, a gaming competition on, COD, FIFA, etc. are to name a few. The week wraps up with a closing function where the winners, coordinators, and organizers are appreciated. ASTHA always takes pride in holding ASTHAweek as it involves coming together of many events, many participants, ideas, fun, and entertainment, making it a milestone in the history of the club.

ASTRA, the astronomy club of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Coimbatore, is a student-led community that promotes interest in astronomy and scientific exploration beyond the classroom. It brings together students from different disciplines and provides a space for learning, observation and inter-disciplinary collaboration.

The club was established in 2011 and has since been actively involved in conducting various programmes related to space and astronomy. Astra regularly organizes workshops aimed at building both conceptual understanding and practical skills in astronomy. It also conducts stargazing sessions, enabling members to observe celestial objects and apply their knowledge in a practical setting. In addition, the club has organized talks on cosmology, the evolution of astronomy, astronomy-related scientific films, and quizzes over the years. Periodic lectures are also conducted to create awareness about current developments in astronomy among students.

ASTRA also organizes events like “The night sky observation” which includes the identifying and monitoring the Planets, familiar stars, constellations etc. The best millstone of the night sky observation includes the observation of five visible planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn in the evening sky during March 2012 and examined the trajectory for couple of days. An extension of this event few of the constellations like Orion, Gemini, Leo as well as the bright star Sirius were identified and monitored. A plenty of students from various branches were enjoyed and enriched their knowledge in this events.

A key milestone for Astra has been the acquisition of its own telescope, the Celestron 8SE. This has enhanced the club’s observational abilities and allows members to gain hands-on experience with astronomical equipment. These activities encourage active participation and help pique and sustain interest in the subject.

ASTRA has also been in constant collaboration with the local astronomy club, to expand learning opportunities and support outreach activities within the wider community.

The club received the ‘Best Club Award’ at Anokha 2026, acknowledging the commitment of its members and the impact of its activities.

Astra continues to serve as a campus-wide platform for students to pursue their interest in astronomy through its programmes and initiatives.

Interested students/faculty members can join this club to make this more active. You are free to contact Dr. Murugadass or Dr. Bharat Kishore Sharma, Department of Sciences, for further details.

Events Organized

• Night Sky Observation
• Quiz
• Lectures & Talks