Mysore Astronomical Research Society "MARS" was  formed with the main objective of using Astronomy/Celestial-objects-viewing as a tool to create interest in learning/understanding science in children in general and rural children drop-outs in particular; in Karnataka. The mission is to create/spark scientific temper in children, specially school-drop outs and help them to study and improve their future life quality. Mahatma Gandhi once said the lifeline of India lies in the villages of the country-so it is appropriate that we educate and make the rural children excel in the field of leaming/education through Sky-watching. It is very special to Mysore to start this project when the world celebrates the year 2009 as International year of Astronomy.

This project is a gift of the ROTARY FOUNDATION under the Matching Grant programme with financial participation of three Rotary International Districts in USA and Rotary Mysore Midtown. This project is due to the active involvement of Past Governor James R Freeman of Arizona, USA.