Delhiâs Nehru Planetarium director Nandivada Rathnasree dies of COVID-19 The eminent educator was appointed as director of Nehru Planetarium and Science Museum in 1999 and was in the position for 21 years until her death. Dr Nandivada Ratnasree (Photo Wikimedia Commons) Share Updated: May 12, 2021, 11:27 AM IST Passionate and notable astronomy educator Nandivada Rathnasree, 57, died on Sunday due to COVID-19 complications. She was also the first chairperson of the Astronomical Society of India’s public outreach and education committee (ASI-POEC). The society mentioned her relentless efforts to bring in astronomical education in the society, as she was recently involved in a project called, ‘Astro Adda’, a fortnightly online discussion with students. Her demise comes as a grave loss, not just for India but across the world.