The Odisha government has taken a significant step towards modernising the iconic Pathani Samanta Planetarium, a key institution in promoting science, astronomy, astrophysics, and space science across the state.
An important Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, and the Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), Kolkata — an autonomous body under the National Council of Science Museums, Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
Operational since 1990 and dedicated to public outreach, the planetarium will undergo a comprehensive renovation and upgradation. The MoU was signed at the conference hall of the Development Commissioner in Lok Seva Bhawan by Planetarium Director Urmiprabha Maharana and BITM Director Arnab Chatterjee.
Speaking on the occasion, BITM Director Arnab Chatterjee announced that a technical team will soon visit to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the upgradation work.
Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, who graced the event, emphasised the importance of science popularisation. A physics enthusiast himself, he shared personal insights into his passion for the subject and assured full governmental support for the project. He expressed hope that the revamped planetarium would inspire future generations of scientists in Odisha, in the spirit of the legendary astronomer Pathani Samanta.
Additional Chief Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, Chitra Arumugam, provided introductory remarks and detailed information about the planned renovation. She highlighted how the modernised facility will offer students and the general public advanced, immersive experiences in astronomy, astrophysics, and space science through cutting-edge technology.
The event was attended by several senior officials, including Principal Secretary (Finance) Sanjeev Kumar Mishra, Managing Director of IDCO Sri D. Prashant Kumar Reddy, Special Secretary (Planning & Convergence) Debendra Kumar Jena, and Additional Secretary (Science & Technology) Shivani Mohanty, along with other officers from the department.
The renovation is expected to transform the Pathani Samanta Planetarium into a state-of-the-art facility, fostering greater public engagement with science and nurturing scientific temperament among Odisha’s youth.
