011. Why Trivandrum Observatory does not have new learners?

011. Why Trivandrum Observatory does not have new learners?

News: Kerala University to honour founder director of observatory. The Kerala University will hold a commemorative meeting to honour the memory of John Caldecott, founder director of the Trivandrum Observatory established in 1837 by the then Travancore king Swathi Thirunal.
TNN | Apr 1, 2012, 11.17AM IST


 

The Trivandrum Observatory started by the Travancore king Swathi Thirunal in 1837 is one of the earliest observatories in India. As Swathi Thirunal himself was a gifted poet, musician and art lover, he encouraged the talented. So this Observatory which is situated at a lovely prime spot in Trivandrum city flourished. The lenses needed for this Observatory were grinded here itself and this installation provided excellent sky observation and space learning facilities for the young and old and the learned and the beginner in Trivandrum for decades. When Kings ruled Travancore, they cared well for this observatory. They were well aware of what they were doing. As years passed and as the number of unruly youths in Trivandrum increased, lesser and lesser number of young men came to this observatory for learning. Lonely sky watching does not provide them with the thrills of day light flirting. Gradually this fine observatory came to be frequented only by the old admirers of this establishment and no new generations developed there to continue their tradition or skills. Another unfortunate incident also occurred. When one of the previous Travancore Maharajas passed away, the administration of this installation fell into the hands of some kind of people’s committee constituted with unlearned and uncouth individuals. The Observatory no more was extended with the fine and tender care of the kings who loved and admired these kinds of things. When the Planetarium at the P.M.G. Junction came into being, the Royal Observatory was pushed into the rear. It needs loyalty and dedication to restore the proudness and excellence of this Observatory. The University of Kerala is doing one of the great things it can do by honouring the memory of the founder directory of this observatory, John Caldecott, and remembering the invaluable services of our dedicated and committed previous administrators.