Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 27 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami addressed an event titled ‘Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation for a prosperous Uttarakhand’ at IRDT Auditorium here today. The programme was jointly organised by Uttarakhand State Council for Science & Technology (UCOST and the Pioneer Newspaper Group. On this occasion, the CM claimed that the government is working consistently to make the state a leading centre of research, innovation and modern technological advancement. He noted that science must not remain confined to laboratories and books but must be connected to the lives of ordinary people, which is the greatest need of the present time.
The CM also observed that global progress today is determined not by natural resources but by the knowledge, science, research and innovation. He said that the modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones and semiconductors are playing a transformative role in health, education, agriculture, tourism and disaster management. By encouraging innovation in these fields, new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship can be created for the youth. He also stressed that Uttarakhand’s young talent is second to none in innovation and hard work, and what is required is to provide them with modern resources, quality training and suitable opportunities. Coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, industry and scientific organisations are giving new momentum to innovation-based development in the state, he added.
Dhami said that the foundation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a developed India by 2047 lies in science, research and technological innovation. Under his leadership, initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, the National Quantum Mission and the Semiconductor Mission are rapidly advancing India towards becoming a global technological power. He added that the state government has implemented Uttarakhand’s first Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, aimed at promoting research and turning youth into job creators rather than job seekers. He pointed out that construction of the country’s fifth Science City in Dehradun is progressing swiftly, which will give Uttarakhand a new identity in the field of science and innovation.
The CM directed the officials to ensure that the schoolchildren across the state are regularly taken on visits to the Science City so that curiosity, scientific temper and a spirit of innovation can be nurtured among them. He said that connecting children with modern science and technology would be a crucial step in preparing a new generation of scientists, researchers and innovators. He further stated that facilities such as Science and Innovation Centres, Labs on Wheels, GIS-based dashboards, digital libraries, patent information centres and STEM labs are being expanded in the state. Alongside these, AI, robotics, drone technology, semiconductors, pre-incubation labs and the startup ecosystem are also being continuously promoted to provide global-level opportunities to Uttarakhand’s youth within their own state.
Dhami affirmed that the government’s resolve is to ensure that Uttarakhand, known as the land of the brave and of sports, also gains global recognition as the land of science and innovation. He called upon scientists, academicians, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers to actively contribute in mainstreaming science, technology and innovation with development, thereby making Uttarakhand strong, prosperous and self-reliant.
On the occasion, MLA Munna Singh Chauhan, Padma Shri awardee BK Sanjay, Director General, Information, Banshidhar Tiwari, Director General, UCOST, Prof Dr Durgesh Pant, Prof JP Jaiswal from GB Pant University of Agriculture & Technology (GBPUAT), UCOST Joint Director DP Uniyal and other dignitaries were among those present.
