States » SouthPosted at: Nov 13 2026 5:35PM


PM Modi links India's civilisational pride with scientific ambitions

Mysuru, Nov 13 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday sought to connect India's ancient knowledge traditions with its modern scientific and technological achievements, presenting the country's progress in space exploration, research and innovation over the past decade as a continuation of its civilisational legacy.
Inaugurating the Cosmos Planetarium in Mysuru, India's first LED dome planetarium, Modi said India's spiritual and scientific traditions had historically progressed together, with the country's ancient astronomers laying the foundations for its understanding of the universe.
Drawing a connection between India's past and its present scientific ambitions, he invoked astronomers such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya and Nilakantha Somayaji, who studied celestial movements, developed calendars and calculated solar and lunar eclipses without access to modern instruments and technology.
"The traditions of spirituality and science have always advanced together in India," he said, describing the Cosmos Planetarium as a symbol of the country's cultural and scientific heritage.
Modi also invoked Mysuru's contribution to India's intellectual and educational landscape, recalling the role of the Wadiyar dynasty in establishing the University of Mysore and laying the foundation for the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru.
He said the new planetarium would add another chapter to Mysuru's contribution to India's scientific journey, just as the city's historic institutions had nurtured generations of students and researchers.
Positioning the past decade as a period of accelerated scientific progress, Modi highlighted India's achievements in space exploration, including Chandrayaan-3's landing near the Moon's south pole, the Aditya-L1 solar observatory and the country's demonstration of space docking and undocking capabilities.
He said India had entered a new phase of space exploration, with the opening up of the sector to private enterprises creating opportunities for startups and young entrepreneurs to develop rockets and launch satellites.
The Prime Minister also linked scientific advancement with national development, citing the use of satellite technology in protecting fishermen during adverse weather, tracking trains in real time and estimating agricultural yields for settling farmers' insurance claims.
"Science for Society is our approach," he said, emphasising that technological advancement must translate into tangible benefits for ordinary people.
To reinforce the government's research and innovation agenda, Modi referred to more than 10,000 Atal Tinkering Labs, the One Nation One Subscription initiative, the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation scheme.
He said these initiatives were aimed at building a research ecosystem, providing students and scientists access to resources and helping translate laboratory discoveries into practical applications.
Highlighting the achievements of Indian students in international science Olympiads, Modi said four of the five students representing India at this year's International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics in Vietnam won gold medals, while the fifth secured silver.
He said such achievements demonstrated the potential of Indian youth when provided with opportunities, technology and institutional support.
Modi urged the Cosmos Planetarium authorities to encourage school and college students from across the region to visit the facility and develop an interest in astronomy and scientific research.
He said some of the children visiting the planetarium could eventually return as scientists with new discoveries about the universe.
The Prime Minister said the country's journey towards scientific leadership would draw strength from its rich intellectual heritage while being driven by research, innovation and the aspirations of its younger generation.
Present at the occasion were union Finance Minister Nirmala Seetharaman and Chief Minister DK Shivakumar among other dignitaries.
UNI BDN
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