A strong science culture begins with public awareness — and volunteer organisations like TASS (Tamil Nadu Astronomy and Science Society) are the grassroots which played as a catalyst between the institutions and the common people of Tamil Nadu.

Various resolutions were passed at a two-day State-level executive committee meeting held in Madurai.

Speaking to media persons, TASS State president Ramesh said that in many government and private colleges, the UG degree admission in basic foundation sciences such as Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, were drastically deceasing. In some of the colleges, these courses were completely closed due to very poor admission. Contrary to this, many developed countries promoted and popularised research and innovation.

The Tamil Nadu government should create awareness of the importance of studying basic science and also educate the students through programmes, he added.

The meeting, in a resolution, urged the T.N. government to establish a state science and astronomy centre and a world class planetarium in cities like Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem and Tiruchi, beyond Chennai.

The executive committee members wanted to upgrade existing planetariums with modern digital dome projection and interactive exhibits. To integrate Astronomy in school curriculum. They sought to introduce basic astronomy and space science as part of Tamil Nadu’s school syllabus (Std 6–12) and provide telescope kits and science labs to government schools.

The members also resolved to train science teachers through State-funded workshops. To promote scientific heritage and document and promote ancient Tamil astronomical knowledge (e.g., Tamil calendar — Panchangam, sidereal calculations used in Tamil tradition) and among others.

The meeting resolved to hold annual science festival with government support in a big way in different districts on rotation. They also suggested to include exhibits of rocket model and organise competitions among the students. Similarly, they also pointed the need to set up telescope viewing nights and public lectures in mother tongue as it would attract more students to participate.

To disseminate science communication in Tamil, the government should create a corpus and use YouTube channels and podcasts to make astronomy accessible to all.

The members greeted TVK president C. Joseph Vijay on assuming office as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu in a resolution.

The Madurai Astro Club president Krishnakumar, TASS vice-president Balagurunathan, secretary Cynthia, general secretary Manohar and among others from different districts addressed the gathering. Madurai Astro Club secretary Maheshwari proposed a vote of thanks.