Uttarakhand: On Monday, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the construction work of the Science City project at the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) and also participated in a symposium on the Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy (STIP).
Addressing the event, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the construction of the Dehradun Science City is progressing rapidly. In the coming years, this Science City will emerge as a premier hub for science, innovation, and research—not just for Uttarakhand, but for students, researchers, and scientists across the entire country. He noted that the facility would provide state-of-the-art amenities to the youth, helping to give wings to their dreams and ideas. Launching initiatives such as the community science radio station ‘Vigyan Vani’ (88.8 MHz), ‘Vigyan Drishyam’, and ‘Vigyan Dhara’ under the ‘Vigyan Setu’ concept, the Chief Minister remarked that these efforts would help convey complex scientific knowledge from laboratories to the person living in the remotest corners of Uttarakhand.
Emphasis on Developing Leadership Capabilities in Technology
The Chief Minister mentioned that ‘Harela Week’ is currently being observed in the state. Harela is not merely a festival; it is a celebration symbolizing our faith in nature, our commitment to environmental conservation, and our responsibility towards future generations. He observed that at a time when the entire world is grappling with challenges like climate change, global warming, and environmental crises, the Harela festival conveys a message that development and nature can coexist. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the world is currently undergoing an era of unprecedented technological transformation. Robots are now working everywhere, from factories to hospitals, and Artificial Intelligence is elevating human potential to new heights. Meanwhile, emerging technologies such as data science, drone technology, semiconductors, and biotechnology are shaping the direction and state of the world. In such times, we must not only embrace this change but also lead it.
Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that many states across the country now look to Uttarakhand as a model of best practices in various sectors. This includes the successful rescue operation of workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel—an initiative that was showcased as a ‘best practice’ at the BRICS summit. Consequently, the government has decided to observe November 28th as ‘Disaster Management Day’ every year. He remarked that the youth of Uttarakhand possess remarkable talent and intellect; therefore, the state must develop an ecosystem that provides the right direction for this young talent, enabling them to make their mark on the global stage.
Science and Research: The Foundation of a Developed India
The Chief Minister emphasized that science, technology, and research form the strongest pillars of the ‘Amrit Sankalp’ (resolve) for a ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ (Developed India 2047) envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. To this end, the Prime Minister has given a new mantra to the nation’s scientists and youth by adding ‘Jai Anusandhan’ (Hail Research) to the existing slogan of ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan’ (Hail Soldier, Hail Farmer, Hail Science). Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, the country is advancing through major initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and the National Quantum Mission. Thanks to the Prime Minister’s efforts, India has emerged as the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Furthermore, through the Semiconductor Mission, India is on the path to self-reliance in the fields of electronics and chip manufacturing.
He stated that the state government is fully committed to transforming Uttarakhand into a global hub for science, technology, and modern research. In this direction, the state’s first ‘Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy’ has already been implemented. The policy aims to foster a self-reliant ecosystem where the youth do not merely remain job seekers but become ‘job creators’ driven by their innovative ideas. This policy seeks to take science beyond the confines of laboratories, serving as a powerful medium to connect it with everyday life and bring it to the masses. Efforts to Find Local Solutions to Challenges
The Chief Minister stated that Uttarakhand’s geographical conditions present us with several formidable challenges. However, the Himalayas constitute our greatest strength, while our biodiversity, invaluable medicinal plants, perennial water sources, organic farming, and rich cultural heritage represent our true assets. Therefore, if we develop local and scientific solutions to our local problems, Uttarakhand can emerge as an ideal model of development for the entire nation. Guided by this vision, the state government has formulated a new policy. Simultaneously, the government is developing a robust ecosystem to foster technology, digital governance, research, and innovation within the state. Efforts are also continuously underway to establish Uttarakhand as a ‘science-based knowledge economy’ by promoting scientific research and quality education.
Announcement Regarding the Development of Startup Centers
The Chief Minister mentioned that the government is expanding facilities such as Science and Innovation Centers, ‘Labs on Wheels,’ digital libraries, patent information centers, STEM labs, and modern GIS-based technical systems across the state. Furthermore,
