Bengaluru, June 12:
In a major boost to science education and outreach in Karnataka, the Karnataka State Scientific Research Council (KSSRC) has announced the establishment of two permanent planetariums—one at Bharat Scouts and Guides Annie Besant Park in Doddaballapura, and another at Sri Siddhartha College of Engineering in Tumkur.
The announcement was made by Dr. Hulikal Nataraj along with senior members of KSSRC at a press conference held at the Press Club of Bengaluru.
Each facility will house a 10-meter dome with seating capacity for 85 to 100 people, featuring state-of-the-art 4K digital projection technology. The planetariums are designed not only to showcase astronomical wonders but also to include engaging short films aimed at dispelling pseudoscientific beliefs and promoting rational, evidence-based thinking.
Once operational, the centers are expected to host up to 500 students daily—many from government and rural schools. In the first phase alone, the outreach program aims to impact around 1.5 lakh students, introducing many to a planetarium experience for the very first time.
“This is a long-term vision to build a thriving science learning ecosystem in Karnataka,” said Dr. Nataraj. “These planetariums will offer regular science shows, teacher training programs, night sky observation events, and educational content to combat scientific misinformation.”
The initiative is being implemented with CSR funding in the range of ₹2.5 to ₹3 crore per site. The budget will cover construction, projection systems, content development, acoustics, and foundational operations. The council expressed gratitude to its CSR partners for backing a cause that aims to transform communities through science.
A key collaborator in this venture is Bharat Dorne Innovation Pvt. Ltd., a Karnataka-based startup that specializes in immersive planetarium technology and rapid deployment models. Their role is central to bringing high-quality science experiences to both urban and rural regions.
The project has received strong institutional support. Mr. Mohan Kondaji, Commissioner of Bharat Scouts and Guides, has extended in-principle approval for the Doddaballapura site. Sri Siddhartha College of Engineering has also partnered enthusiastically to host the Tumkur facility.
Both projects will function under a shared operational Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), ensuring co-managed programming, upkeep, and public engagement.
Describing the initiative as more than mere infrastructure, Dr. Nataraj emphasized its role in igniting scientific imagination, especially among children and young learners. “With these planetariums, we’re not just building domes—we’re opening doors to the universe,” he said.
The KSSRC has urged the media to support this outreach effort and help spread awareness of the planetariums’ educational impact across Karnataka.
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