Modi recalls Mysuru Wadiyars’ contribution to science and education

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, in Mysuru on Friday. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Governor Sudha Yadav and Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar are seen.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said Mysuru had a rich tradition of establishing institutions that promote knowledge, education and research, recalling the contribution of the erstwhile Mysuru rulers in building the foundation for scientific advancement.

Speaking after inaugurating the COSMOS Mysuru LED Dome Planetarium here, he said the University of Mysore was established during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar. The Wadiyar family also played a significant role in the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru. These institutions had provided generations of students and researchers with opportunities to excel, he said.

At a time when India was achieving one milestone after another in science, Mysuru was adding a new chapter to the country’s scientific journey through the state-of-the-art COSMOS Planetarium, Mr. Modi said.

“The planetarium is being dedicated today. It is India’s first LED Dome Planetarium. I had the opportunity to watch a show here. It was a remarkable experience,” he said.

Drawing a parallel between the Viveka Smaraka, which he inaugurated during his previous visit, and India’s first LED Dome Planetarium, Mr. Modi said the two institutions reflected India’s traditions of spirituality and science. While the Viveka Smaraka encouraged people to look within and explore spiritual knowledge, the planetarium inspired them to look towards the skies and understand the vast universe. “Spirituality and science have always progressed together,” he said.

Calling upon the COSMOS Planetarium authorities to encourage students to visit and experience the facility, he said, “Some of the children who visit the planetarium may one day return here to tell us about their achievements. That will be the biggest achievement of COSMOS,” he said.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Nirmala Sitharaman and Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also spoke. Governor Sudha Yadav, Mysuru and Kodagu MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar and Minister for Higher Education Basavaraj Rayareddi were present.

Earlier, Mr. Modi paid his respects to Goddess Chamundeshwari and greeted the people of Mysuru.