Publish Date : 02-Sep-2014
An addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding between the Rajiv Gandhi Science Centre (RGSC) Trust Fund and the National Council of Science Museums, India, for the setting up of the Planetarium in Pamplemousses was signed this morning in Ebcne, in the presence of the Minister of Tertiary education, Science, Research and Technology, Dr Rajeshwar Jeetah, the High Commissioner of India, Mr Anup Kumar Mudgal, and other personalities.
The addendum was signed by the Joint Secretary from the Ministry of Culture of India, Mr Pramod Kumar Jain, for the Indian side, while RGSC was represented by its chairman, Mr Kreety Kumar Motee. It is to be recalled that the Memorandum of Understanding itself was signed during the visit of the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam, GCSK, FRCP, to India in February 2012 to establish collaboration for the setting up of the planetarium, and the upgrading of existing galleries as well as extension of galleries at the RGSC building at Bell Village. The addendum makes provision for a change of site of the planetarium to Pamplemousses, on the land allocated for the university campus.
The project in Pamplemousses will comprise a 125-seat planetarium and exhibition galleries on astronomy, earth science and geography. It will not only decentralise the activities of the RGSC, but also make the science exhibits more accessible to the public.
In his address, Dr Jeetah, said that he was grateful to the Government of India for the support to the project as well as other education endeavours in Mauritius. He recalled the launching of the International Institute of Technology Research Academy in Bel Air last July, as a result of collaborative venture with Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, the iconic model science education of high standard. The Minister also highlighted the commitment of the Government of India in contributing to the promotion of science and technology in Mauritius.
For his part, the High Commissioner of India, Mr Anup Kumar Mudgal, expressed his satisfaction with India’s active participation in developing capacity and moving science forward. Stressing the wonderful role played by the RGSC in conveying the message of scientific thought and progress to the children, Mr Mudgal stated that the planetarium will assist young minds in dreaming beyond what they can see around them.
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