New ₹75 Crore Building to Boost Astronomy Research in India
In a significant step towards enhancing India’s capabilities in astronomy, Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, laid the foundation stone for a new state-of-the-art building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru today. With a budget of ₹75 crore, this seven-story facility will span nearly one lakh square feet, positioning India as a leading hub for advanced astronomy research and space science instrumentation.
The ceremony took place on the IIA campus in Koramangala, attended by Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of the Governing Council, IIA Director Dr. Annapurni Subramanian, and numerous faculty members, scientists, and government officials. The event featured the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, the inauguration of a new Aspheric Grinder & Polisher in the Optics Laboratory, and a presentation showcasing the institute’s ongoing research and future plans.
A Legacy of Excellence in Astronomy
Dr. Singh underscored the IIA’s rich legacy in astronomy, which dates back nearly 300 years to the founding of the Madras Observatory. He highlighted how the new building will cater to the increasing demands of students and researchers while furthering India’s position in the realm of observational science. The minister noted that the technologies developed at IIA are already utilized in significant projects by ISRO and other space missions globally.
Strengthening National and Global Astronomy Efforts
The minister acknowledged the institute’s extensive network of facilities, including observatories in Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur, and the high-altitude site at Hanle, which enable sophisticated research in both solar and nighttime astronomy. He also referenced IIA’s involvement in pivotal national space missions, such as the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope on AstroSat and its contributions to the Aditya-L1 mission.
Expanding India’s Astronomical Horizons
Looking ahead, Dr. Singh spoke about the recent announcement of four significant telescope projects in the Union Budget for 2026. These initiatives—the National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical-Infrared Telescope, an upgrade for the Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and the COSMOS-2 Planetarium—are set to be undertaken by IIA, which will greatly enhance India’s astronomical research capabilities.
Bridging Science with Youth Engagement
Highlighting the importance of community engagement, Dr. Singh called for increased outreach to connect young people with scientific institutions. He emphasized the urgency of integrating digital platforms to cultivate a broader interest in science and space exploration among the youth.
Future-ready Infrastructure
The upcoming building, intended to be named “M.K.V. Bappu Bhavana” in honor of the institute’s founding director, will accommodate modern laboratories, classrooms, office spaces, and a conference facility. The project is being executed by the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) and is expected to be completed within two years.
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