Science must serve society, improve lives, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Mysuru

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi cuts the ribbon to inaugurate the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium in Mysuru on Friday. | Photo Credit: ANI

Emphasising the need to translate scientific innovations into practical applications that improve people’s lives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said India was making rapid strides in space science and technology, creating new opportunities for young scientists and researchers.

Inaugurating the COSMOS Mysuru LED Dome Planetarium at the foothills of Chamundi Hills, Mr. Modi said the facility would inspire young minds to explore the mysteries of the universe and contribute to India’s scientific progress.

Mr. Modi congratulated the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the University of Mysore, various government departments and all those associated with establishing the planetarium.

Highlighting India’s achievements in space exploration, he said the country had made remarkable progress in astronomy, astrophysics and space technology.

Through Chandrayaan-3, India became the first country to land near the moon’s south polar region, while Aditya-L1 gave the country its first solar observatory in space. Referring to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, Mr. Modi said the experience gained by an Indian astronaut during a mission to the International Space Station would benefit India’s own human spaceflight ambitions.

He said the opening up of the space sector had created new opportunities for private players, start-ups and young entrepreneurs.

Stressing that India’s space programme was guided by the principle of ‘humanity first’, Mr. Modi said ISRO had developed satellite-based communication systems to alert fishermen about approaching storms. It was also being used for real-time train tracking and to estimate crop yields under the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, helping determine insurance claims of farmers, he said.

“Science for Society is our approach,” he said.

The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of nurturing scientific temper among students. More than 1 crore students had benefited from over 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs across the country, where they were encouraged to take up experiments and pursue innovation, he said.

He called upon the COSMOS Planetarium authorities to encourage students to visit and experience the facility.

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