Mangaluru: Asia’s first-of-its-kind Swami Vivekananda Hybrid Digital 8K 3D Planetarium was inaugurated by M R Seetharam, State Minister for Statistics, Planning, Science and Technology, at Pilikula Nisargadhama on March 1.

Addressing the gathering, after the preview show at the planetarium, Seetharam said that the Siddaramaiah-led government had ensured the materialisation of the project which was only on papers for a long time.

“The Swami Vivekananda Hybrid Digital 8K 3D Planetarium is the first planetarium of its kind in Asia. This planetarium is needed in the city as it is an educational hub”, said Seetharam.

He expressed his desire for Mangaluru to be renowned for constructive reasons in the future, instead if its present infamy and he hoped that the planetarium would be a boon for the future generations in their research and studies.

“The construction of the planetarium began in the year 2008, with an initial estimated cost of Rs 8 Crore. Over the period of construction, the cost increased and the project was finally completed with a total cost of Rs 36 Crore”, the minster added.

He also thanked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah for sanctioning the budget.

He added that both houses in the state gave the nod for the formation of the Pilikula Development Authority for the management and development of the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama.

Within two months, the Dr. Shivaram Karanth Pilikula Nisargadhama will get electric go-karts for internal transport.

MLA J R Lobo also spoke during the occasion.

Minister Seetharam was honoured on the occasion.

MLA Moideen Bava, MLA Abayachandra Jain, Mayor Kavitha Sanil, ADC Kumar, Dr. KV Rao and others were present.