The much awaited Planetarium and Innovation Hub building at Kohima was inaugurated by Planning and Coordination, Land Revenue and Parliamentary Affairs minister, Neiba Kronu on Saturday.
The Planetarium and Innovation Hub is located at premises of the department of Science and Technology.
Addressing the inaugural programme, Kronu recalled his visit to the MP Birla Planetarium in Kolkata while as a student and said that the fascinating experience remained as a fond memory ever since. This kind of experience, he said, always inspire and nurture young minds into learning new things at the same time spark an imagination which would turn into reality. He said that with more of such facilities in the state, students would be encouraged to venture into scientific professions.
Stating that science and technology was crucial in development and progress, Kronu advised the department to take advantage of their facilities and help in educating young minds.
He assured the all possible assistance from the State government for the innovation hub and planetarium.
In his brief address, Science and Technology, IT&C and NRE adviser, Mmhonlumo Kikon said it was a momentous day for the department, adding science and innovation were key ingredients in the development of any State and its people.
“This kind of facilities would help in nurturing and ensuring that scientific minds are encouraged and we envision coming up with this kind of planetarium in all the districts of the state,” Kikon said.
He highlighted the need to innovate, look beyond government service alone and focus on entrepreneurial culture in the state and that the new facility was one small step towards making such progresses in the state. Mmhonlumo said the government was working to catch young minds to foster them and enhance their scientific temperament.
He was optimistic that the planetarium, like the one in Dimapur which is regularly visited by students, would attract students from all parts of the state once it is functional.
The inaugural programme was chaired by principal secretary science & Technology, O.T. Chingmak Chang, while the director, Wonchio Odyuo proposed the vote of thanks and City Church, Kohima, pastor, Kedo Peseyie, invoked God’s blessings. The senior scientific officer gave a brief back ground of the construction.