Maharashtra Honors Narlikar with Statewide Science Centres

The Maharashtra government announced a bold plan to expand its Science and Innovation Activity Centres (SIACs) across the state, naming the initiative after the late astrophysicist Dr Jayant Narlikar, who passed away on May 20 at 86.

IT and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar revealed in the legislative assembly that the Rs 192 crore project aims to make Maharashtra a science-forward state by establishing SIACs in 23 additional districts and 28 new technology labs over the next five years.

Launched in 2015 by the Rajiv Gandhi Science and Technology Commission, SIACs currently operate in Warananagar, Pravaranagar, Amravati, Satara, Baramati, and Devrukh, with new centres under development in Nanded, Akola, and Parbhani. These hubs, designed to align with the National Education Policy 2020, promote STEM education through hands-on learning in robotics, 3D printing, coding, and more. “Promoting scientific temper is a constitutional duty,” Shelar said, emphasizing the centres’ role in sparking curiosity among students and society.

The initiative targets rural students, ensuring equal access to cutting-edge scientific tools and mentorship. Existing centres have already engaged 2.76 lakh visitors, trained 2,728 teachers, and involved 61,000 students in activity-based programs. Collaborations with institutions like the Nehru Science Centre, Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education, Muktangan Exploratory, and Vigyan Ashram will drive the expansion, with a dedicated team of curators, engineers, and retired officials overseeing operations.

Also Read: Tragic Crash in Nashik: Seven Killed in Car-Motorbike Collision

Named after Dr Narlikar, renowned for the Hoyle-Narlikar theory of gravity and his contributions to cosmology, the initiative honors his legacy of advancing Indian science and education.

Also Read: Maharashtra’s Grand 10-Year Plan to Save Shivaji’s UNESCO Forts Revealed