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Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Science
- Hindustan Times
Tarangan to bring the cosmos closer to Pune
Adarsh Shikshan Mandali (ASM) has added another feather to its cap with the inauguration of a planetarium at the Abhinava Vidyalaya English Medium Primary School. Named Dr Nanasaheb Upasani Planetarium, it is the first in India to feature the Digistar 2025 projection system from Evans and Sutherland, USA, the institute has claimed. The project was made possible through the Vidyalakshmi Foundation, a private trust run by the family of noted educationist and first president of ASM, Upasani. A 50-seater, the planetarium promises a fully immersive, 360-degree experience, delivering high-resolution visuals and real-time simulations of astronomical events. (HT PHOTO) The inauguration ceremony, held on April 30 this year, was attended by Arvind Paranjape, director of Mumbai's Nehru Planetarium; Suresh Naik, former group director at ISRO; and several other dignitaries from the fields of academics and science. At a press conference held on Sunday, August 10, ASM member Avinash Pradhan said, 'This is the brainchild of (Nanasaheb) Upasani, a gesture ahead of its time. The planetarium is not just for entertainment. It will enable interactive learning in technology, mathematics, and other STEM subjects. We plan to open it to students from other schools and the public, with ticket bookings available online.' An ASM member said, 'While the primary focus is on Abhinava Vidyalaya students, ASM plans to open the planetarium to the wider community in the coming months. This is a tribute to Upasani's vision of accessible education. It will inspire young minds and bring the mysteries of the cosmos closer to our community.' A 50-seater, the planetarium promises a fully immersive, 360-degree experience, delivering high-resolution visuals and real-time simulations of astronomical events. Installed by Infovision Technologies, the planetarium integrates advanced dome projection technology with content from global space agencies such as ISRO, NASA, and the European Space Agency. The planetarium also supports dome-casting for live events, and allows educators and students to create their own shows. Infovision director Abhijeet Shetye said, 'Our aim is to make this 'Tarangan' an identity of Pune. It will be part of the city's cultural circuit for visitors.' Whereas Paranjape recalled that the 'Tarangan' concept was first introduced in 1999 at the Nehru Planetarium. 'This is now the 65th planetarium, and we are creating shows linked to school syllabi. We have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with ISRO to live-stream upcoming missions such as the Chandrayaan within the next month. The shows will be available in Hindi, English, and Marathi,' Paranjape said. ASM member Rajshree Telkar said that astronomy-related sessions have already been integrated into the weekly timetable for classes five to eight, blending topics from biology, mathematics, and physics. An 'Amateur Astronomy Club' has also been set up for sky-gazing sessions and discussions. With the addition of this planetarium, ASM has not only strengthened its own educational infrastructure but also given Pune a new cultural and scientific landmark that promises to inspire future generations to come.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'That was Ravi Shastri's idea': Ex-India selector on 'big moment' in Rohit Sharma's Test career
Rohit Sharma (AP Photo) Former India cricket selector Jatin Paranjape has revealed that Rohit Sharma was offended when his commitment to Test cricket was questioned during his career, sharing insights about the player's deep connection with the red-ball format despite his recent retirement ahead of the England series. Paranjape disclosed details of a conversation with Rohit during a period when the latter was not part of India's Test setup, highlighting the player's emotional response to doubts about his dedication to Test cricket. Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW! "I remember he was not playing Tests for India. And we had this conversation and he said, 'I started playing cricket with a red ball, Jatin. How can you say that I am not interested in Test cricket?' I got the message and I was hoping that that was what he would say," Paranjape shared on the A Century of Stories podcast. Paranjape confirmed Rohit's strong reaction to these doubts about his Test cricket commitment, stating: "Yeah, yeah (if Rohit was offended). The perspective he gave me made me sit up and think. His point of view was that 'I've grown up playing with the red ball, how can I be far away from it?' That's, again, his unique perspective." Explained: Why Rohit Sharma retired from Test cricket The turning point in Rohit's Test career came when former India head coach Ravi Shastri suggested him as an opener six years ago, a decision that transformed his red-ball career trajectory. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Dubai villas | search ads Get Deals Undo "That's the big moment. I remember I was part of the selection committee at that time. That was Ravi Shastri's idea. Superb thinker. Ravi is 3–4 steps ahead of everybody when it comes to reading the game," Paranjape noted. Rohit's international cricket statistics show his significant impact across formats, with 19700 runs in 499 international games at an average of 42.18, leading to former West Indies cricketer Brian Lara referring to him as a legend. Rohit Sharma Unplugged: Funniest Press Conference Moments However, Paranjape expressed disappointment over Rohit's decision to withdraw from the last Test in Sydney, suggesting it affected India's chances of equalising the series against Australia. "He said he lives for Tests. I think Rohit could have done a lot more in Tests. I think he would be the first one to say that as well. I was a little bit disappointed that he chose to drop himself in Sydney because we could have levelled the series," Paranjape said. Rohit's recent decision to retire from Test cricket before the England series came as a surprise to many, particularly as it was announced without a farewell match or any apparent decline in his physical fitness. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
29-04-2025
- General
- Time of India
Pune district's wildlife warden seeks halt on riverfront development project at Mula
1 2 3 Pune: The honorary wildlife warden of Pune district, Aditya Paranjape, on Tuesday urged the Pimpri Chinchwad municipal commissioner to halt all development work on the Mula riverbank opposite Ramnadi-Mula confluence because of the harm it inflicted on wildlife. Paranjape, in his letter, stated that the development work as part of the Mula-Mutha riverfront development project is leading to significant tree felling and disturbance to wildlife in the area. This was in reference to the grievance raised by citizen Vandana Chaudhary to declare the region as a community reserve, which prompted Centre to seek a report from the state forest department. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune Based on complaints received from local citizens and the warden's observations, it was concluded that there were multiple endangered species of animals and other forms of wildlife in the area that are likely to be affected by the encroachments on the river, he said. "In light of these findings, we urge you to immediately stop the encroachment in the Mula river where the current work is ongoing. We also request that the encroachments be removed to restore the wildlife. We await a formal 'action-taken report' as per the directions of the ministry of environment, forest and climate change," the letter said. Paranjape told TOI, "Citizens have been trying to protect this stretch for quite a while, and the project which govt is executing must be in accordance with the public's demands. This letter is an intimation to the commissioner to take action in this regard. Following this, if no development is observed to halt the work affecting the wildlife, then I will take legal action against them. Once they stop this, we can propose the region for a community reserve." The letter also said that the disturbances have been observed in various locations such as Wakad, Vishalnagar, Kaspate Vasti, and most importantly, the ecologically sensitive area of Ram Mula confluence. "We have documented the presence of endangered species such as the grey mongoose, Indian flying fox, rat snake, Russell's viper, Indian cobra, checkered keelback, Bengal monitor, and Indian flapshell turtle, all of which are categorised under schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Additionally, there are numerous terrestrial and aquatic birds, as well as significant freshwater species of fish, which are also getting impacted." On Sunday, activists, citizens and environmentalists staged a protest against the project at Pimple Nilakh. However, Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation commissioner Shekhar Singh clarified that the work would not be halted without reason as the project received all clearances required. Alongside this, the forest department also requested the Pune Municipal Corporation to halt any work for the project on their end of the bank, which includes the "devrai" at Ramnadi-Mula confluence. The corporation agreed to halt all work at that stretch and look at alternative designs for protection. Officials from PCMC could not be reached for a comment. "We need to protect the wildlife in the region. Any form of debris dumping and encroachments on both banks is extremely harmful to the wildlife," said Shailaja Deshpande, founder of Jeevitnadi. An honorary wildlife warden is a govt-appointed volunteer who supports wildlife conservation by working alongside the state forest department. Their role includes helping enforce the Wildlife Protection Act, curbing poaching, identifying wildlife-related offences, and protecting natural habitats.
