The much-anticipated MP Birla Memorial Award ceremony at the iconic MP Birla Planetarium in Kolkata faced an unexpected cancellation on Friday. The event was called off after the distinguished award recipient, Dr. Yashwant Gupta, Director of the National Centre for Radio Astrophysics at TIFR Pune, was unable to travel to the city following the cancellation of his flight.
Chaos at Airports Thwarts Travel Plans
According to officials at the MP Birla Planetarium (MPBP), all preparations for the biennial award function had been meticulously completed by Thursday. However, the event's fate was sealed by the widespread travel chaos that gripped airports across India. The planetarium team realized the severity of the situation too late to make alternative arrangements.
Dr. Yashwant Gupta was booked on a direct IndiGo flight, 6E 6095, from Pune to Kolkata on Thursday. This crucial flight was cancelled, throwing the scientist's travel schedule into disarray. Frantic last-minute attempts by his team to secure a route to Kolkata via other major hubs like Mumbai and Chennai proved entirely futile, leaving no viable option for him to reach the City of Joy in time for the ceremony.
A Grand Event Put on Hold
The award ceremony, which was being held after a significant gap of six years due to disruptions caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, was set to be a grand affair. The plan was to confer the honour upon Dr. Gupta within the planetarium premises, followed by a celebratory lunch on the lawns for the guests and well-wishers.
Expressing deep regret over the unforeseen circumstances, MP Birla Planetarium curator, S. Datta, stated, "We deeply regret the inconvenience caused to our guests and well-wishers... We look forward to hosting it on a revised date with the same grandeur and spirit." The statement underscores the institution's commitment to rescheduling the event appropriately.
Looking Ahead to a New Date
The cancellation highlights how logistical challenges, even at a national level, can impact significant academic and scientific gatherings. The MP Birla Memorial Award is a prestigious recognition in its field, and its postponement after a six-year wait is a notable setback. The planetarium authorities are now tasked with coordinating a new date that accommodates the schedule of the eminent astrophysicist and all other stakeholders.
This incident serves as a reminder of the fragility of even the best-laid plans. The scientific community and guests in Kolkata will now await a fresh announcement for the rescheduled function, hoping for smooth travel conditions when the event is finally held.
