Minister Seetharam Inaugurates Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium at Pilikula
Mangaluru: The Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium was inaugurated at Pilikula here on March 1.
The Minister for Planning, Statistics, Science and Technology M R Seetharam inaugurated the Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium by unveiling the plaque at Pilikula.
Minister Sitaram along with other Ministers and MLAs watched the first show.
The programme began with an invocation.
ADC Kumar welcomed the gathering. The Programme was inaugurated by lighting the traditional lamp by minister Seetharam along with other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering MLA J R Lobo said, “First of all I would like to thank CM Siddaramaiah and the Minister for Science and technology M R Seetharam for their quick response in providing funds to complete the work of the 3D planetarium. In 2008, myself and Dr K V Rao both planned to have a planetarium in Pilikula but we had no idea of starting the work. We then prepared a DPR and sent it to the then state government and CM B S Yeddyurappa sanctioned the project and released the funds of Rs 8 crore. But later when the government changed and the Congress government came to power the project cost went up to Rs 24 crore and CM Siddaramaiah agreed to sanction the funds. When we called for tender the cost of the project reached to Rs 36 crore. Finally today our dream of having a planetarium in Pilikula has been realized. Throughout the journey of having the Planetarium in Pilikula there were ups and downs and with the staunch support of Dr K V Rao, Dr Honne Gowda etc the work has been completed smoothly. I cannot forget their support because of their contribution, the dream of having a planetarium has been realized.”
MLA Lobo further said, “This is the first ever 3D planetarium in Asia and the 21st in the World. It is a State-of-the-Art “3D Planetarium” and we have named it after Swami Vivekananda. It is a proud moment for all of us because our Mangaluru will now be highlighted on the World Map. In the coming days, we will also have a unique Aquarium in Pilikula. The planetarium will surely help the younger generation in their academics. People should make good use of the Planetarium,” said Lobo.
The handbook of the Planetarium was released by the MLA of Mangaluru North Constituency Moideen Bava. In his speech, Moideen Bava congratulated MLA J R Lobo for his efforts in bringing the 3D planetarium in Pilikula. He also thanked CM Siddaramaiah and Minister Seetharam for their support in providing sufficient funds for the timely completion of the project.
Addressing the gathering Minister Seetharam said, “In the budget, CM Siddaramaiah had allocated funds for the development of Dakshina Kannada. When J R Lobo approached us for funds, CM Siddaramaiah immediately sanctioned the funds. Because we wanted to complete this project with our government in power. This planetarium is the first in Asia and it is necessary for Dakshina Kannada since there are a number of educational institutions here. DK is infamous for wrong reasons, we should make Dakshina Kannada famous for constructive reasons”.
Minister Seetharam further said, “Our chief minister Siddaramaiah does not interfere in our work but supports all the departments and sanctions funds for the development of various constituencies. The planetarium is a gift to the people of Dakshina Kannada as well as to the students so that they can learn more about science and technology. The younger generation should make use of this planetarium, our aim is to divert the younger minds into constructive work. There will be free shows for three days and the public can make use of it,” he said.
The engineers, contractor and others who had worked for the construction of the Planetarium were felicitated by the minister.
Former minister and MLA of Moodbidri Abhaychandra Jain delivered the presidential address. District Minister In-charge B Ramanath Rai also spoke on the occasion.
Mayor Kavitha Sanil, Dr K V Rao, Dr Honne Gowda, Roy Castelino, Suresh Ballal, Executive Director of Pilikula Research Centre Prasanna V, Official from Infovision Mumbai Abhijith Shetye and others were also present.