MYSURU – 14 Nov, 2026 Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, India's first LED dome planetarium in Mysuru, Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium, India's first LED dome planetarium, in Mysuru, Karnataka. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the Prime Minister extended his greetings in Kannada, and expressed his delight at returning to Mysuru to dedicate the COSMOS Planetarium to the nation just months after inaugurating the Viveka Smaraka. Pointing out that while the Viveka Smaraka inspires introspection and spiritual pursuit, the COSMOS Planetarium directs our gaze skyward to unravel the mysteries of the vast universe, he emphasized the profound cultural message conveyed by both landmarks. “This is an example of the fact that in India, the traditions of spirituality and science have always moved forward together,” remarked Modi.
Recalling how ancient Indian ancestors minutely studied the skies, understood planetary and stellar movements, created calendars, and calculated solar and lunar eclipses, the Prime Minister highlighted the legacy of great Indian astronomers such as Aryabhata, Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya, and Nilakantha Somayaji. “Advanced instruments and technology like today did not exist at that time; despite this, they made great discoveries and performed difficult calculations,” noted PM Modi.
Highlighting Mysuru's rich tradition of fostering knowledge institutions,including the establishment of the University of Mysore under Maharaja Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wadiyar and the Wadiyar royal family's pivotal role in laying the foundation of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru to empower generations of scholars, the Prime Minister noted that Mysuru is adding a new chapter to India's scientific journey with the dedication of this state-of-the-art planetarium to the youth and citizens. Sharing that watching a show inside the LED dome was a wonderful experience in itself, he congratulated the nation on the milestone. “I felicitate the Indian Institute of Astrophysics, the University of Mysore, various departments of the government, and all the people associated with its construction,” affirmed Modi.