Pics: Abhijith N Kolpe
Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Mar 1: The much-awaited Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium at Pilikula was inaugurated by state minister for planning, statistics, science and technology M R Seetharam here on Thursday March 1.
Addressing the gathering, M R Seetharam said, "I am grateful to Chief Minister (CM) Siddaramaiah for his support and encouragement to make this possible. The budget for the planetarium kept on going up. But soon after our government came to power, it sanctioned Rs 24 crore. CM Siddaramaiah understood the importance of 3D planetarium in this region. We are proud to say that Mangaluru has its first 3D hybrid digital planetarium. Mangaluru needed it as an education hub. Later MLA J R Lobo approached to sanction additional Rs 10 crore. As Pilikula Development Authority is formed now, the administration will function in more efficient way in the development of Pilikula,”
MLA J R Lobo said, “We have a 3D Planetarium inaugurated today at Pilikula. In 1993, this area was a barren land. We had discussion with then Deputy Commissioner Bharath Lal Meena to develop this place. We worked hard for last 20 years and have reached this level. In 2008, Science Centre was formed and we wanted a 3D planetarium in Pilikula. We approached then MLA Yogish Bhat with a detailed report of planetarium and Rs 8 crore was sanctioned through Yeddyurappa government. Later the technical committee was formed and we went around the country to see other planetarium,”
“As years passed on, experts were called in, the budget rose to Rs 24 crore for which government sanctioned the funds. After the tender was invited, the overall budget rose up and we were short of Rs 10 crore. When requested minister M R Seetharam took up the initiative and sanctioned additional money. He has been instrumental in making this planetarium of international standard. Pilikula Development Authority has been formed now. Rs 5 crore has been sanctioned for development of road connecting Pilikula and Rs 4 crore has been sanctioned for overall development of Pilikula,” Lobo added.
"This is the 21st planetarium in entire world and first in the country. Not even the people of Mangaluru, but also people of entire state should make use of this planetarium,” he said.
District in-charge minister Ramanath Rai also spoke on the occasion and hailed 3D planetarium. He congratulated everyone for making it a reality.
M R Seetharam was felicitated during the event.
MLA Moideen Bava unveiled the brochure of Swami Vivekananda 3D planetarium.
About Swami Vivekananda 3D Planetarium
This is the first of its kind planetarium Asia. Students can experience the solar system in the 3D mechanical project system which shows the accurate representation of the sky.
There are six shows in a day, each show of duration of 25 minutes. Online tickets are also available through bookmyshow.com. Tickets for the planetarium are priced at Rs 60 for adults and Rs 25 for children.
The 3D planetarium with 170 seats is the first of its kind in India and 21st across the world with all the latest technical specifications. The new planetarium will be unidirectional with a dome diameter of 18 meters and will present modern inventions coupled with 3D technology to students and science enthusiasts. The new planetarium will have Megastar IIA optical projector from Ohira tech Japan integrated with digistar and active stereo 3D 8K digital planetarium from Evans and Sutherland Computer Corporation.
The optical megastar star projector creates a beautiful, almost, real star field and makes planets, the sun and moon visible to the naked eye. The 8K resolution digistar system uses five Christie mirage projectors seamlessly blended together using E7S auto alignment and auto blending systems that will keep the imagery looking expertly aligned.
Additional deputy commissioner Kumar welcomed the gathering, Manohar Prasad compered the programme.
MLA Moideen Bava, MLA Abhayachandra Jain, Mayor Kavitha Sanil, MUDA Chairman Suresh Ballal, Director of Pilikula Science Center Dr K V Rao, V Prasanna and others were present.