Mysuru: Clarifying his absence from the dais during the inauguration of the COSMOS-Mysuru Planetarium by Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday, University of Mysore (UoM) Vice-Chancellor Prof. N.K. Lokanath said, he was not on stage due to the protocol and security restrictions imposed for the PM’s visit.

Speaking to Star of Mysore this morning, Prof. Lokanath said, even the officials of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), the principal partner in the planetarium project, were also not allowed on stage.

“It was the PM’s event and certain protocols had to be followed. I participated fully in the programme and discharged my responsibilities throughout the event. I was not on stage only because of the protocol and restrictions imposed by Special

Protection Group (SPG),” he said.

The Vice-Chancellor’s absence from the inauguration of India’s first LED dome planetarium in Mysuru, a project associated with the University, had triggered discussion, particularly as his name did not figure in the invitation and another University representative compered the programme.

Earlier, speculation had linked his absence to a letter written by former UoM Syndicate Member Dr. T.R. Chandrashekar, who had objected to Prof. Lokanath sharing the dais with the PM. In a letter to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the Governor’s Office and the Chief Minister, Dr. Chandrashekar had raised concerns over the Vice-Chancellor’s presence at the event, citing complaints against the University that are reportedly under examination.

However, Prof. Lokanath’s clarification has put the speculation surrounding his absence to rest.