Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 19 Sep: The Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), under the Department of Science and Technology, Information Technology, and Suraj, Government of Uttarakhand, has been consistently working to promote science, technology, and innovation in the frontier hill districts of the state. In line with the concept of “Empowered Frontiers, Empowered Nation” and the vision of “Science for Antyodaya”, UCOST organises the Border District Children’s Science Festival every year for school students of these regions.
In the past, the first festival was successfully held in Champawat, the second in Chamoli, and the third in Pithoragarh. Continuing this series, the fourth State-Level Frontier District Children’s Science Festival is scheduled for 15–16 October at PM Shri Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Bansu, Jakhdhar, Guptkashi in Rudraprayag district.
The event is being organised under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, and under the leadership of UCOST Director General, Prof Durgesh Pant, with a prime focus on sustainable development and scientific empowerment of frontier regions.
This year’s theme, “Climate Change: Integrating Adaptation Strategies into Disaster Risk Management Plans”, aims to raise awareness among students about pressing issues such as climate change, natural resource conservation, and disaster management, while fostering scientific thinking.
Nearly 1,000 students from six border hill districts of Uttarakhand—Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Champawat, Uttarkashi, Chamoli, and Rudraprayag—will participate in the festival. The event will also witness the presence of renowned scientists, science communicators, exhibitors, and subject experts from across the country.
Participants will be grouped into two categories: Junior (Classes 6–8) and Senior (Classes 9–12). Competitions will include science poetry recitation (in Hindi and English), science model presentations, science quizzes, and interactive sessions under Bal Chaupal. Selection will be conducted at the block, district, and finally the state level.
Through this initiative, UCOST aims to provide scientific opportunities to students of frontier regions, equipping them to compete at national and global levels. Over the past three years, more than 5,000 students have actively participated in these festivals, highlighting its growing success and impact. Preparations for this year’s event are in full swing, and the festival is expected to become a milestone in reshaping science education in the frontier districts.
