Post by Abhay Karandikar

Post Budget Webinar 2026–27 on “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas – Fulfilling Aspirations of People,” was conducted today. In the Inaugural session, the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji highlighted expanding STEM opportunities for youth and women and emphasized reaching the remotest regions to build capacity for an innovation-driven India. In a breakout session of the webinar on Telescope Infrastructure Facilities, coordinated by the India DST, experts discussed using the support in budget 2026-27 for telescope infrastructure facilities to reach out to institutes and universities, addressing geographical, gender, and generational gaps in strengthening capacity in astronomy and futuristic technologies. Moderated by Prof. Annapurni Subramaniam, Director, Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the session focused on strengthening telescope infrastructure, advancing indigenous technologies, and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and research institutions. Panelists included Prof. Jayaram Chengalur, Director Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) Hyderabad , Prof. A. N. Ramaprakash, The India TMT Coordination Centre, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, India, Dr. Sankarasubramanian, ISRO - Indian Space Research Organization, Mr. B. M. Raghavendra, Larsen & Toubro and Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, Former Director, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Pune, India. Discussions highlighted the role of the announcements in the budget for National Large Solar Telescope, National Large Optical Infrared Telescope, Himalayan Chandra Telescope, and Cosmos-2 Planetarium in advancing India’s leadership in astronomy and mega-science while inspiring future astronomers and space scientists. The concluding remarks for this breakout session was delivered by Hon'ble Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh ji.