Mysuru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, November 13, dedicated COSMOS Planetarium, India’s first LED Dome Planetarium, to the nation, describing it as a major addition to the country’s scientific infrastructure that would inspire young minds to explore the mysteries of the universe and contribute to India’s growing achievements in science and technology.
Speaking at the inauguration, Modi said the state-of-the-art facility would open new opportunities for students, researchers and young enthusiasts to develop scientific curiosity, deepen their understanding of astronomy and pursue new discoveries. He described COSMOS as a new chapter in India’s scientific journey and called for greater participation by school and college students.
The Prime Minister said the planetarium would provide an immersive experience of the universe and help young people develop an interest in scientific exploration. He also congratulated the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the University of Mysore, various government departments and all those associated with the project.
Modi said he had the opportunity to watch a show at the planetarium and described the experience as extraordinary.
Spirituality and science share India’s heritage
Drawing a parallel between COSMOS Planetarium and Viveka Smaraka, which he had inaugurated in Mysuru recently, Modi said the two institutions conveyed an important message about India’s traditions of spirituality and scientific inquiry.
While Viveka Smaraka encouraged people to look within themselves and seek spiritual knowledge, COSMOS invited them to look towards the skies and understand the vastness of the universe.
“India’s traditions of spirituality and science have always progressed together,” he said.
Recalling India’s historical contributions to astronomy, Modi referred to ancient scholars such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya and Neelakantha Somayaji. He said these mathematicians and astronomers had made significant discoveries and carried out complex calculations at a time when modern scientific instruments and technologies were not available.
Their achievements reflected the country’s longstanding tradition of scientific thinking and intellectual inquiry, he said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted Mysuru’s contribution to education and research. He recalled that the University of Mysore was established during the reign of Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and that the Wadiyar family had played an important role in laying the foundation for the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
These institutions had created opportunities for generations of students, researchers and academics, strengthening Karnataka’s contribution to India’s educational and scientific development.
Indian students making their mark internationally
Highlighting the achievements of young Indians in science, Modi referred to the country’s performance at international Olympiads and competitions.
He said five Indian students had participated in the International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics held in Vietnam this year. Four of them won gold medals, while one secured a silver medal.
Indian students had also achieved record success in international Olympiads in mathematics, physics, chemistry and biology, winning gold and silver medals.
The Prime Minister said such achievements demonstrated the potential of young Indians when they received the necessary opportunities, resources, technology and institutional support.
“When young people are provided with opportunities, resources, technology, tools and institutional support, they demonstrate their ability to achieve remarkable milestones,” he said.
He expressed confidence that COSMOS would play an important role in nurturing scientific curiosity and shaping the aspirations of future generations.
Chandrayaan-3 and India’s growing space capabilities
Modi also highlighted India’s progress in space exploration over the past decade, citing major achievements by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
He referred to the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission, which made India the first country to achieve a landing near the Moon’s south polar region. He also mentioned Aditya-L1, India’s first space-based solar observatory, as an important milestone in the country’s efforts to expand its understanding of the Sun.
The Prime Minister further recalled India’s achievement in demonstrating space docking and undocking capabilities, making it the fourth country to accomplish this technological feat.
Referring to an Indian astronaut’s visit to the International Space Station, he said the experience and scientific experiments conducted during the mission would contribute to the country’s preparations for its human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.
Modi said the opening up of India’s space sector had created new opportunities for private companies, start-ups and young entrepreneurs. They were now able to develop rockets, launch satellites and undertake activities that had previously been largely outside the reach of private players in the country.
He said this growing participation would strengthen India’s space ecosystem and encourage innovation.
Space technology improving everyday life
Emphasising that scientific progress should benefit ordinary people, Modi said India’s approach was to use science and technology for the welfare of society.
“Science for Society is our approach. Satellites are reaching new heights in space, while their applications are improving the lives of people on Earth,” he said.
He cited the real-time train tracking systems developed through the efforts of Indian Railways and ISRO, which enable passengers to check train locations and arrival times.
He also referred to the use of satellite data under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana to estimate crop yields and help determine insurance claims. Such applications demonstrated how advances in space technology could support agriculture, transport and other sectors.
According to Modi, scientific research and technological innovation should not remain confined to laboratories but should translate into practical solutions that improve people’s lives.
Government initiatives to strengthen research and innovation
The Prime Minister outlined several initiatives aimed at strengthening India’s research and innovation ecosystem.
He said more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs had benefited over one crore students by providing opportunities to develop ideas, conduct experiments and explore innovative solutions.
He also highlighted the One Nation One Subscription initiative, which had improved access to leading international scientific journals for educational and research institutions across the country.
The Anusandhan National Research Foundation was helping universities undertake advanced research, while the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation scheme launched last year was intended to provide financial support to researchers and encourage the development of new technologies.
Modi said adequate funding and institutional support were essential to ensure that discoveries and innovations could move from laboratories into practical applications.
PM calls for greater student participation at COSMOS
Calling for wider participation by students, Modi urged those associated with COSMOS Planetarium to coordinate with schools and colleges and facilitate visits by young learners.
He said exposure to scientific facilities at an early age could encourage students to develop an interest in astronomy, space research and other scientific disciplines.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the planetarium would become a place where children could discover new interests, ask questions and develop ambitions in science.
“Some of the children who visit COSMOS today may return one day with new discoveries about the universe. That will be the greatest success of this planetarium,” he said.
With its advanced LED dome technology and focus on astronomy education, COSMOS is expected to add to Mysuru’s educational and research infrastructure. Modi’s message at the inauguration was that the facility should serve not merely as a place to experience the wonders of the universe, but also as a platform to inspire the next generation of Indian scientists and researchers.