Abstract:
This seminar will give a flavor of optical astronomy in the context of Indian observing facilities. The talk begins with an introduction to optical astronomy in general followed by a tour to astronomy within India and around the globe. The importance of a four-meter class optical telescope at the central himalayan foothill will be highlighted. At the end, Asteroseismology, a research topic where I have been engaged in the last two decades will be briefly introduced. The main aim of this presentation is to motivate the Kenyan graduate and postgraduate towards astronomy and astrophysics, one of the fascinating areas of physical sciences. This Colloquium is a part of the activities commemorating "75 years of India's Independence: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav" at ARIES.