India's participation in the Thirty Metre Telescope (TMT) Project

About three years ago, several of the astronomy groups in India, started exploring the possibility of an Indian contribution to one of the upcoming mega-observatory projects namely GMT, TMT and E-ELT. These efforts soon consolidated into a national effort. The DST then commissioned the
preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) evaluating the need for and the merits and demerits of various options available. This DPR was accepted by the DST after due review process and on 24th June 2010, Mr. Prithivraj Chavan, the Hon'ble Minister for Science and Technology of the Government of India, and Dr. T. Ramasami, Secretary, Department of Science and Technology, Government of India announced India's decision to join the TMT project as an observer with a strong intention of becoming a full partner in due course of time. This presentation will cover the decision making process that led to selection of TMT as the project of choice, the current status of the effort and future plans.