19th State-Level Science and Technology Conference held
By Our Staff Reporter
DEHRADUN 30 Nov: At the closing session of the 19th State-Level Science and Technology Conference of Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) held at Doon University campus on Saturday, Speaker, Ritu Khanduri highlighted UCOST’s efforts to build the state’s basic infrastructure for science and technology. “The construction of the fifth Science City in Dehradun is a significant achievement for our small mountainous state. UCOST is working tirelessly to spread science, technology, and innovation throughout the state, especially in remote and border areas, through initiatives such as Science and Innovation Centers in each district, Labs on Wheels, and STEM labs at the block level.”
Participating in the capacity of the Chief Guest. the Speaker paid tribute to the great scientist Jagdish Chandra Bose on his birth anniversary. She stated, “Dr Jagdish Chandra Bose was a pioneering scientist who conducted groundbreaking research on the optics of radio and microwaves. His experiments gave Indian science a new direction, and his discoveries have provided a new perspective on science worldwide. Dr Bose’s work proved that life is not limited to humans but exists in an invisible and spiritual form throughout nature. We will always be grateful for his contributions.”
She further stated, “It is a matter of great pride that UCOST has been continuously expanding the scope of state-level conferences, and this year, the theme of the conference focused on ‘Water and Natural Resource Management in Uttarakhand.’ Over 300 original research papers were presented on various scientific topics from across the state, including remote and border areas. Several in-depth discussions were held on key issues. I am confident that this conference will be highly beneficial for the state’s students, researchers, faculty, and scientists. I congratulate all the researchers who were awarded for their exceptional work and wish them success in their future endeavors.”
Ritu Khanduri Bhushan also lauded UCOST’s special efforts to empower the state’s girls in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), and appreciated Durgesh Pant and his entire team for their contribution in this regard.
Additionally, the Speaker remembered the “Silkyara Tunnel Rescue Operation,” acknowledging the leadership shown by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami during the operation. “The patience, intelligence, maturity, and decision-making capacity demonstrated by Chief Minister Dhami during the leadership of this operation has set an example worldwide for disaster management. The successful rescue of all 41 workers after 17 days of tireless efforts is a unique example of organized disaster management. The conditions and challenges faced during the Silkyara rescue operation are praiseworthy.”
During the conference, the Speaker also visited the exhibition stalls and distributed awards related to the 19th Science and Technology Conference.
In her opening address, Prof Surekha Dangwal expressed gratitude to UCOST for partnering with Doon University and acknowledged the contributions of research scholars from various institutions. She also lauded Gabbar Singh, the metaphorical “light of the tunnel” in the Silkyara Vijay Abhiyan. She highlighted UCOST’s ongoing and future projects.
DP Uniyal, Joint Director of UCOST and Organizing Secretary of the 19th USSTC, delivered the valedictory speech, providing a comprehensive overview of the three-day conference. He highlighted the participation of 1,500 attendees daily, 13 technical sessions, 24 awardees for research excellence across diverse fields, and seven brainstorming sessions on critical topics like water security, disaster management, and AI in defense. With contributions from esteemed institutions and 50 exhibitors showcasing innovative technologies, Uniyal expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed UCOST’s commitment to advancing science and fostering collaboration in Uttarakhand.
The Congress featured 13 technical sessions, with over 200 research papers presented by scholars. Key outcomes included Awards and Recognitions: 24 awards were distributed, including the Young Scientist Award, which honored 16 female researchers across 13 domains; Seven impactful sessions discussed critical issues, including water security, emotional resilience, and AI in defence; and display of over 50 stalls showcasing scientific advancements. Additionally, 3,000 students underwent health screenings facilitated by Graphic Era University’s health wing.
Announcements were made regarding the establishment of Centres of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and Water Resource Management in Uttarakhand. Some of the technical sessions included discussions on Water Security in the Himalayas: Science of Water Resource Management; Building Emotional Resilience: The Science and Art of Emotional Adaptability; Mitigation of Water-Related Disasters, Including Flash Floods and GLOFs in the Himalayan Region; Indian Knowledge System: Sanskrit and Science; Community-Based Forest Resource Management; significance of Science Communication in the Himalayan Region and Strategic Integration of Artificial Intelligence in Defense: Transforming Modern Warfare.
DG UCOST, Prof Durgesh Pant, remarked, “Himalayas have always led the way and will continue to do so. By 2047, India’s vision of becoming a developed nation will require all states, including Uttarakhand, to contribute significantly. Our state aims to become globally recognised in science and technology.”
The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) has organized this conference, as in previous years, with the aim of spreading science, technology, and innovation to the masses. During the two-day conference, Ritu Khanduri Bhushan addressed the attendees at the final session.
