Former ISRO chief U.R. Rao not only inspired the country to aim for the stars, but also spent considerable energy bringing the stars to Bengaluru citizens.
Since the late 70s, Dr. Rao was among the prominent scientists calling for setting up a world-class planetarium. It was in 1989 that Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium came into form. Theoretical physicist C.V. Vishveshwara, who passed away earlier this year, was chosen the founder-president by Dr. Rao and others.
After his stint at ISRO, Dr. Rao played an even more crucial role in the planetarium as chairman of the governing council of Bangalore Association for Science Education (BASE). His efforts saw upgrading of the planetarium with a ₹12-crore hybrid projector being installed. “He was approachable and encouraged amateur astronomers. Even at his stature, he would patiently talk to children and propagate science activities,” said Prakash Subbanna from Association of Bengaluru Amateur Astronomers.
Strong voice
However, he also presented a strong voice for the planetarium — one that the State government would listen to — including his reservations on the proposed steel flyover project affecting the planetarium.
In a recent conversation with The Hindu , he contemplated seeking expansion of the planetarium, considering its 30-year-old structure could no more comfortably seat the increasing number of visitors.
