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What’s new at the famous Birla Planetarium near Birla Mandir in Hyderabad? For starters, it is curre

What’s new at the famous Birla Planetarium near Birla Mandir in Hyderabad? For starters, it is currently undergoing a massive retrofitting with not only an improved version of the digital projector but also the entire seating arrangement to give a ‘real’ 360-degree, simulated view of the sky above.

“A critical part of the projector had to be replaced. It had to be sourced from United States so the planetarium, which was temporarily closed, was restarted from Jan.18. We have used the opportunity to revamp the place with a new look and better aesthetics which is likely to be completed by March,” director of the GP Birla Archaeological, Astronomical & Scientific Research Institute, K.G. Kumar.

That is not all. Ever since Mr.Kumar, also the director of BM Birla Science Centre and Planetarium, took over during the COVID-19 pandemic, the entire science and arts complex has undergone transformation with focus on ensuring visitors have their own personal experiences, be it studying the science exhibits or taking a tour of the exquisite archaeological gallery.

“Science is best learnt and enjoyed by experiencing and understanding the applications in our daily life. Hands-on activities have always been the best teacher,” explains Mr.Kumar, who had earlier worked with the National Council of Museums, under the Ministry of Culture, and was tasked with setting up science centres across the country.

Answers to many intriguing questions, such as why are shadows always black, or why we have two ears, can be sourced directly at the 2,000-sq.ft gallery on ‘Experience Science’ that houses an assortment of interactive exhibits dealing with different topics.

“It is the apt place for students since it is part of their science syllabus, and even for families to explore,” says the director.

While the giant, full size dinosaur fossil can still give anyone the shivers inside the gallery, many may not know that it also houses a real meteor as also a well-preserved child mummy. What’s more, there is also a rare fossil, Kotasaurus, belonging to the lower Jurassic age, dating back to about 160 million years collected from Yamanapalli in Adilabad district.