On behalf of the Department of Science and Technology, IIA designed and presented a tableau on astronomy at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi, on the 26th January, 2009. The current Indian Astronomy scene was exemplified in the theme of the tableau by several exhibits. A model of a radio interferometric telescope represented the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope operated by the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Maharashtra, and a model of an optical telescope represented IIA's Vainu Bappu telescope. In addition, the beauty of the cosmos was displayed through a running slide show of astronomical images on large digital screens, and also present were professional astronomers shown interacting with people representing the ever-curious public.

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picture of the tableau

Artists' impression of the tableau