International conference Ujjain: Madhya Pradesh’s Ujjain, revered as the abode of Lord Mahakal, is poised to re-establish itself as the hub of scientific and intellectual discourse. State Chief Minister (CM) Dr Mohan Yadav on Friday inaugurated a 3-day-long international conference titled ‘Mahakal: The Master of Time,’ along with a specially curated exhibition. During this, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat were also present alongside the Chief Minister.

Event held in Vasant Vihar

According to officials, the event is being organised at the planetarium complex in Vasant Vihar, and prominent scientists, as well as academicians, policymakers and space experts from India and abroad attended it. Key attendees such as MP Anil Firojiya, CRTRL Director General KS Murli, MPCST Director General Anil Kothari, NITI Aayog member Dr VK Saraswat and National coordinator Dr Ganti S Murti also ensured their presence at the event. 

International conference Ujjain: Science Centre built at an outlay of Rs 15.20 cr

Notably, a state-of-the-art science centre has been established within the planetarium complex at a cost of Rs 15.20 crore. Of this, the Central government contributed as much as Rs 6.50 crore, while the MP government invested Rs 8.56 crore. The facility, according to officials, is expected to offer advanced infrastructure for researchers and students, fostering innovation and scientific curiosity in the region. 

Conference’s goal

The goal of the conference is to establish a meaningful dialogue between India’s traditional knowledge and contemporary space science. Discussion will be held on a wide range of subjects, such as Astronomy, Astrophysics, cosmology and the scientific basis of Indian timekeeping systems. A key highlight of the event will be to position the Ujjain-Dongla region as a global meridian, alongside deliberations on space economy, defence strategies linked to space technology and national development. 

Hands-on learning experience for students

Along with this, special interactive sessions have been designed for students and young participants. These include workshops on UAV and RC Aircraft training, satellite making and guided observations of the night sky using telescopes. Moreover, participants will also engage in sunspot studies and deep-sky observation sessions at Dongla, offering a rare opportunity to experience practical astronomy. With the aforementioned initiatives, Ujjain is set to blend its rich cultural heritage with cutting-edge scientific exploration, cementing its status as a centre of time, innovation and knowledge.

Also read: MP CM Dr Yadav reaches Bengal, hits out at ruling TMC during rally; backs BJP candidates