Excelsior Correspondent
BENGALURU, Apr 28 : Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, and MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh today laid the foundation stone of a Rs 75 crore state-of-the-art new additional building at the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
The upcoming building will be seven-storeyed with over nearly one lakh square feet built-up area. To be developed as one of the country’s key scientific hubs, the building will significantly strengthen India’s capabilities in advanced astronomy research and space science instrumentation. The indigenously developed technologies at IIA are being used in ISRO and other national and international space missions, reflecting the institute’s global relevance.
The foundation stone laying ceremony was held at the IIA campus in Koramangala in the presence of Chairman, Governing Council, Dr. S. Somanath; Director, IIA, Dr. Annapurni Subramanian; senior faculty members, scientists, researchers, students and officials from the Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Central Public Works Department (CPWD). The programme included unveiling of the plaque, inauguration of a medium-size Aspheric Grinder & Polisher in the Optics Laboratory, garlanding of the founder’s bust, and presentations on the institute’s work and the new laboratory project.
The Minister described the Indian Institute of Astrophysics as a unique institution with a rich legacy and global standing in astronomy research, tracing its three centuries journey, beginning from the historic Madras Observatory. He said the new facility will support the growing requirements of students, researchers and national missions, and strengthen India’s position in cutting-edge observational science.
Referring to IIA’s network of facilities across Kodaikanal, Kavalur, Gauribidanur and the high-altitude observatory at Hanle, the Minister said these centres enable advanced research in both solar and night-time astronomy. He also spoke about the institute’s role in national space missions, including the UltraViolet Imaging Telescope onboard AstroSat and contributions to the Aditya-L1 mission.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said the new infrastructure brings with it both an opportunity and a responsibility to deliver outcomes that match the scale of investment being made. He emphasised the need to connect scientific institutions with young people through outreach and digital platforms, given the growing interest in science and space activities.
The Minister also spoke about recent initiatives to strengthen the research ecosystem, including enhanced budgetary support, promotion of public-private partnerships, and mechanisms such as the Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund and the National Research Foundation.
The new building, proposed to be named “M.K.V. BappuBhavana” in honour of Prof. Manali Kallat Vainu Bappu, founding Director of IIA, will house modern laboratories, classrooms, office spaces and a conference facility. The project is being executed by CPWD with an estimated completion period of two years.
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