Need to link modern astronomy with ancient science: Kalam

Bhopal: Dr. Kalam said that this planetarium will help students understand secrets of astronomy. Referring to history of astronomy in India, he made a special mention of Arya Bhatta, Bhaskaracharya and Varah Mihir’s contribution. Referring to Pune-based lab “Ayuka” of noted scientist Dr. Jayant Narlikar, he said that he obtained a number of pieces of important information pertaining to astronomy from it.
Dr. Kalam said that setting up of the planetarium is a unique event in the history of astronomy in Madhya Pradesh. He urged youths to make science their life mission. Crisis of water and power can be solved and challenge of waste management can be tackled through science. On the occasion, Dr. Kalam administered pledge to schools students to promote science.
Chief Minister
Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced to establish a 3-D Imax Theatre in the planetarium’s complex and sanctioned Rs. 5 crore for this. He directed Science & Technology Department to select global-level scholars for the observatory and planetarium. He also announced setting up of a research foundation in Madhya Pradesh Council for Science and Technology.
The Chief Minister said that that fund crunch will not be allowed in science sector. He urged scientists to continue researches for human welfare. Shri Chouhan said that Ujjain is city of spiritualism. No stone will be left unturned for its development. He said that preparations for Simhastha-2016 have been started right now.
Science & Technology Minister Shri Kailash Vijayvargiya said that Ujjain has global identity in many respects. Ujjain has been centre for calculation of time. Science makes its presence felt in villages of the country. He dwelt in detail about activities of Science & Technology Department. He said that planetarium at Ujjain and observatory at Dongla are the result of untiring efforts of Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
At the outset, in-charge of the planetarium and Resources Scientist of Madhya Pradesh Council for Science & Technology Dr. Rajesh Sharma threw light on the planetarium. Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and Chief Minister Shri Chouhan along with other guests inaugurated the planetarium and inspected its dome.
Food & Civil Supplies Minister Shri Paras Chandra Jain, MLA Shri Shivnarayan Jagirdar, Tourism Development Corporation Chairman Dr. Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh Jan-Abhiyan Parishad Vice-President Dr. Pradeep Pandey, Madhya Pradesh Haj Committee Chairman Dr. Sanwar Patel, Ujjain Development Authority Chairman Shri Kishore Khandelwal, Principal Secretary Science & Technology Shri Devraj Birdi, Madhya Pradesh Council for Science & Technology Director General Prof. Pramod K. Verma, other distinguished citizens and common people were present on the occasion.