The Singularity Orientation for the incoming 25MS batch introduced freshers to the astronomy club of IISER Kolkata, its history, activities and ongoing initiatives. The session highlighted workshops, star-gazing sessions, astrophotography, radio astronomy projects and volunteer opportunities, concluding with an interactive Q&A and group photo session.
The Singularity Orientation for Freshers was organized to welcome the incoming 25MS batch and introduce them to Singularity, the astronomy club of IISER Kolkata and the largest club on campus in terms of student participation.
Established in 2023, the club has since grown into an active and engaging space for astronomy enthusiasts. The session began with a brief history of the club, including how it was founded and how it got its name, followed by an overview of its functioning and ongoing initiatives. The Office Bearers (OBs) then introduced themselves and familiarized the freshers with the wide range of activities conducted by the club, including seminars, workshops (such as water rocketry), quizzes, astrophotography competitions, movie screenings in collaboration with the movie club and the much-awaited star-gazing sessions. The club’s involvement in projects like radio astronomy, its YouTube interview series with scientists and professors, and its collaboration with the Indian Synergy of Astronomy and Astrophysics Clubs (ISAAC) were also highlighted.
Additionally, the roles, responsibilities and expectations from volunteers were also explained in the session. Students were informed about the importance of active participation, and about standing for OB elections. The membership system, telescope usage policy and general code of conduct were explained in a clear and structured manner. The OBs also shared information about upcoming events, current activities and future plans, including the launch of club merchandise. The session concluded with an interactive question-and-answer segment, where freshers actively engaged and clarified their doubts, followed by a group photo session, making the orientation both informative and enjoyable.