In a quiet corner of Dongla village, Ujjain district, Madhya Pradesh, where the Tropic of Cancer now passes, Avaada Foundation has created something truly extraordinary — a planetarium that blends science, geography, and India’s timeless connection with the cosmos.

This is no ordinary structure. It stands on land that once saw the Tropic pass-through Ujjain and now, due to Earth’s slow axial shift, rests exactly at Dongla. Recognizing the rare astronomical significance of this location, Avaada Foundation, in collaboration with Acharya Varahamihira Nyas, chose to build a learning space where students, teachers, and curious minds can explore the mysteries of space, time, and planetary motion.

At the heart of this facility is an 8-meter diameter FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) fixed dome, equipped with a 5.1 channel surround sound audio system, creating an immersive, theatre-like experience that brings the universe to life for its visitors.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav inaugurated this planetarium on 21st June 2025, a date marked by the Summer Solstice and Zero Shadow Day — symbolizing the alignment of Earth, sun, and human intention. His presence and support underline the significance of this project as a milestone in both scientific education and cultural revival.

Built not just as an educational facility, but as a beacon of awareness, this planetarium symbolizes how science can be rooted in the soil of tradition while reaching for the stars. Avaada Foundation believes that this space will awaken curiosity, critical thinking, and a sense of wonder—especially among rural students who may be seeing the sky through a scientific lens for the very first time.

Here, under the same sun that once guided sages and astronomers, India now nurtures its next generation of sky-watchers.