Madhya Pradesh’s Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav announced that Dongla, a historically significant location associated with ancient astronomy, will now be developed into a city. The declaration was made during his interaction with students at the Varahamihira Astronomical Observatory in Dongla on the occasion of the 11th International Yoga Day.
Dr. Yadav remarked that Ujjain has been a historic center of time and astronomical calculations in ancient India, and it will once again reclaim that position. “With Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi carrying the torch of ancient Indian knowledge and culture across the world through yoga, we are witnessing a resurgence of Indian heritage globally,” he said.
He emphasized that the 21st century belongs to Indian knowledge traditions, and the world is now embracing values of ahimsa and peace rooted in Sanatan Dharma and the teachings of Lord Buddha. “Our sages and seers have contributed to global welfare through knowledge, education, and science,” Dr. Yadav added.
Indian Scientific Legacy Recognized Globally
Addressing the significance of Yoga Day, Dr. Yadav said, “Yoga is being practised in every corner of the world today. It is a means to connect humanity with peace.” He highlighted that in the wake of COVID-19, the world has come to appreciate the importance of Indian greetings like ‘Namaskar’ and the depth of Indian scientific traditions. He further pointed out that archaeological knowledge in India holds greater value than even the most precious materials.
The Chief Minister explained the scientific relevance of the conical instrument at the Dongla observatory, which measures the sun’s motion. “Through such instruments, our ancestors embedded science into daily life. Even Lord Krishna may have visited Dongla from Narayan Dham in pursuit of astronomical knowledge,” he speculated. He asserted that the Madhya Pradesh government is committed to transforming Dongla’s Varahamihira Observatory into a global center for celestial research under the guidance of Prime Minister Mr. Modi.
Vijnana Bharati Stresses Indigenous Scientific Wisdom
Dr. Shivkumar Sharma, National Organizing Secretary of Vijnana Bharati, also addressed the gathering and underlined the importance of recognizing and reviving India’s ancient scientific legacy. He mentioned that the Dongla site once served as a center for time calculation and should be reinstated as such through modern research.
Leaders Attending the Event
The event began with Chief Minister Dr. Yadav planting a sapling alongside Minister-in-Charge Mr. Tetwal and MP Mr. Firozia. Dr. Yadav also distributed bags and course materials to students and interacted with them about India’s scientific and cultural legacy.
Other dignitaries present at the occasion included former Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary of Science & Technology Mr. Sanjay Dubey, Director General Dr. Anil Kothari, scientists Mr. Ganti S. Murthy and Dr. Arvind Ranade, as well as public representatives Mr. Rajesh Dhakad and Mr. Bahadur Singh Chauhan. Divisional Commissioner Mr. Sanjay Gupta (2007-batch IAS officer), Collector Mr. Roshan Kumar Singh (2015-batch IAS officer), and Superintendent of Police Mr. Pradeep Sharma (2015-batch IPS officer) also attended the event.
Also Read: “One Earth, One Health”: HUDCO Observes 11th International Yoga Day 2025 with Pan-India Sessions
