Garhwal Post Bureau
Ranikhet, 7 Aug: The EDUST Room of Government PG College, Ranikhet, witnessed the inspiring launch of the ‘Kalpana – She for STEM’ programme, jointly organised by Vigyanshaala International and the college. The initiative is dedicated to empowering undergraduate girls from rural regions of Uttarakhand by providing them with career mentorship, global exposure, and STEM readiness training.
The session opened with motivating remarks by Dr Bharat Pandey, Mentor and Coordinator, SHE – UCOST, Government PG College, Ranikhet. Addressing the participants, he stated, “STEM cannot truly flourish unless daughters from our rural heartlands step forward and shine. Kalpana is not just a programme — it’s a gateway to self-belief, direction, and global opportunity for young women in science.”
Following this, Saurabh Joshi, Coordinator, Vigyanshaala International, outlined the structure of the 3-month career readiness programme and shared, “Kalpana – She for STEM is a globally recognised initiative that connects students with expert mentors from top international universities. Each student is paired with a subject-specific mentor who guides her academically and professionally. We also provide access to scholarships for higher studies and research internships to help them overcome financial barriers and dream beyond boundaries.”
Dr CS Pant, Co-Coordinator and Mentor, SHE – UCOST, further emphasised the programme’s transformative impact, “This initiative strengthens confidence among rural students and nurtures them into future leaders in science. It’s more than a mentorship — it’s a mindset shift.”
A dedicated Q&A session followed, at which students enthusiastically asked questions related to scientific careers, global education opportunities, internships, and skill-building. Experts addressed their queries with enthusiasm and clarity, fostering an engaging and inspiring atmosphere.
Prof Pushpesh Pandey, Principal of Government PG College, Ranikhet, concluded the event with heartfelt encouragement, “It is a matter of pride that our college is actively contributing to bridging the rural-urban gap in scientific education. Kalpana is not just shaping futures; it’s redefining aspirations for our daughters.”
The Key Highlights of the Programme are:
- 3-month structured career development programme
- 3 hours/week of interactive online sessions
- Global mentorship from subject experts at international universities
- Access to scholarships, research internships, and academic guidance
- Certificates and long-term career support.
Kalpana – She for STEM, driven by Vigyanshaala International, is an award-winning initiative committed to increasing women’s participation in STEM and building a globally competent generation of rural girl scientists.
