MP CM Mohan Yadav to inaugurate astronomy workshop celebrating Indian knowledge traditions in Ujjain

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav is set to inaugurate a national workshop on the theme "Astronomy and Indian Knowledge Tradition" on Saturday, June 21, at the Varahamihira Astronomical Observatory in Dongla, Ujjain.

The event will bring together renowned scientists and academicians from across India.

A range of educational and scientific engagements will be held, including a yoga camp, zero shadow observation, science show, STEM workshop, lectures, and discussion sessions.

Exploring the relevance of Indian astronomy

The workshop aims to delve into the ancient Indian traditions of astronomy and their scientific significance. Experts will discuss ways to integrate Indian knowledge systems with modern science.

The initiative seeks to connect India’s intellectual legacy with present-day advancements.

The workshop is being jointly hosted by several organizations including the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology, Bhopal Vijnana Bharati, Acharya Varahamihira Nyas (Ujjain), IIT Indore, Vikram University (Ujjain), Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy (Bhopal), and Veer Bharat Nyas.

Observing zero shadow and planetarium inauguration

During the programme, Chief Minister Dr. Yadav will witness the zero shadow phenomenon using a Shanku Yantra at the Padmashri Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Observatory.

He will also inaugurate a newly constructed ultra-modern planetarium developed by Acharya Varahamihira Nyas with support from the Avada Foundation.

A planetarium show will also be showcased as part of the event. Dr. Yadav will deliver the inaugural address of the national workshop in the observatory auditorium, where experts will discuss astronomy and the Indian knowledge tradition.

Modern planetarium to engage rural youth

A state-of-the-art digital planetarium has been developed in Dongla village by Acharya Varahamihira Nyas, with financial assistance from the Avada Foundation and technical collaboration with Deep Sky Planetarium, Kolkata.

It is designed to educate rural communities and school children about astronomy and natural phenomena. The planetarium includes an 8-meter FRP dome, an E-Vision 4 digital projector, and a digital sound system. It is air-conditioned and can seat up to 55 people. The project cost is estimated at ₹1.6 crore.

Dongla’s legacy in astronomy and education

Dongla, situated on the Tropic of Cancer in Mahidpur tehsil of Ujjain, has long held cultural importance in astronomy and astrology. In 2013, the Madhya Pradesh Council of Science and Technology set up the Varahamihira Astronomical Observatory here to promote the country’s rich intellectual traditions.

Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav played a key role in the observatory’s conceptualization and development. Technical support was provided by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Bangalore) and ARIES (Nainital).

Advancing research and outreach

The observatory houses a 20-inch telescope within a 5-meter dome, supporting astronomical research and activities. It serves as a hub for students, researchers, and educators. A Winter School on astronomy is also hosted here.

Under the “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat” scheme, students from other states visit the site. Recently, IIT Indore upgraded the telescope with automation features.

The initiative aligns with the New Education Policy and the National Space Policy, enabling students from remote areas to access the observatory online.

Preserving ancient instruments and developing DMT

The Padmashri Dr. Vishnu Shridhar Wakankar Observatory in Dongla continues to preserve ancient Indian astronomical instruments.

This effort is a step towards developing Dongla as a hub of “Dongla Mean Time (DMT),” representing a fusion of traditional wisdom and modern science.

Eminent experts to participate

The workshop will host several prominent figures, including Dr. Shivkumar Sharma, Mr. Sanjay Dubey, Prof. Ganti S. Murthy, Dr. Arvind Ranade, Dr. Brajesh Pandey, Dr. N. P. Shukla, Dr. Vasant Shinde, Mr. Hemant Bhawalkar, Prof. Arpan Bharadwaj, Dr. Anil Kothari, Mrs. Ritu Patwari, and senior scientists from ISRO, among other distinguished personalities from the academic and scientific community.