Mysuru hosts Modi for second time in four months

Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Mysuru twice within a span of four months. During his previous visit in August, he inaugurated Viveka Smaraka – Swami Vivekananda Cultural Youth Centre, developed by Ramakrishna Ashrama, Mysuru, to preserve and celebrate Swami Vivekananda’s association with the city during his historic journey across the country.

On Friday, Mr. Modi returned to Mysuru to inaugurate India’s first LED Dome Planetarium, developed by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics in collaboration with the University of Mysore, at the foothills of Chamundi Hill.

Security had been tightened in the city ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. Entry to the inaugural programme was restricted to people holding valid passes. Seating arrangements were made for nearly 10,000 people, with a large number of students attending the event.

Mr. Modi received a rousing welcome as he arrived at the venue for the public programme after inaugurating the planetarium. Several dignitaries were present on the occasion. In his address, Mr. Modi recalled his previous visit to Mysuru to inaugurate Viveka Smaraka.

Drawing a comparison between the two institutions, he said they reflected India’s traditions of spirituality and science. While Viveka Smaraka encouraged people to look within, the planetarium inspired them to look at the skies and learn about the universe.

Earlier, Mr. Modi was received at the Lalith Mahal helipad by Governor Sudha Yadav, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and other dignitaries.