Uttarakhand: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the event titled “Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation for a Prosperous Uttarakhand,” held at the IRDT Auditorium under the aegis of UCOST. He stated that science, technology, and innovation form the cornerstone of a developed Uttarakhand. The state government is continuously working to establish Uttarakhand as a leading hub for research, innovation, and modern technological development. He emphasized that the need of the hour is to connect science with the lives of the common people, rather than confining it to laboratories and textbooks.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the “Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation for a Prosperous Uttarakhand” event organized by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) at the IRDT Auditorium.
The Chief Minister noted that global progress today is determined not by natural resources, but by the capacity for knowledge, science, research, and innovation. He highlighted that modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, drones, and semiconductors are playing a transformative role across various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, tourism, and disaster management. Fostering innovation in these areas can also create new opportunities for employment and entrepreneurship for the youth.
The Chief Minister remarked that the youth of Uttarakhand are second to none when it comes to talent, innovation, and hard work; what is needed is to provide them with modern resources, quality training, and suitable opportunities. Coordinated efforts by the government, educational institutions, the industrial sector, and scientific organizations are imparting new momentum to innovation-led development in the state.
The Chief Minister stated that science, research, and technological innovation form the foundation of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India) by 2047. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, the National Quantum Mission, and the Semiconductor Mission are rapidly propelling India towards becoming a global technological powerhouse. The Chief Minister stated that the state government has implemented Uttarakhand’s first Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy, aimed at promoting research and transforming the youth from job seekers into job creators. He noted that the construction of the country’s fifth Science City in Dehradun is progressing rapidly, which will establish a new identity for Uttarakhand in the fields of science and innovation.
The Chief Minister directed officials to organize regular visits to the Science City for school students across the state to foster curiosity about science, a scientific temper, and a spirit of innovation among them. He remarked that connecting children with modern science and technology would be a significant step towards grooming a new generation of scientists, researchers, and innovators.
The Chief Minister mentioned that modern facilities such as Science and Innovation Centers, ‘Labs on Wheels,’ GIS-based dashboards, digital libraries, Patent Information Centers, and STEM labs are being expanded across the state. Simultaneously, sectors like AI, robotics, drone technology, semiconductors, pre-incubation labs, and the startup ecosystem are being continuously encouraged to provide global-standard opportunities to the state’s youth within their own state.
The Chief Minister expressed the state government’s resolve to ensure that ‘Devbhoomi’ Uttarakhand gains global recognition not only as ‘Veerbhoomi’ (Land of Heroes) and ‘Khelbhoomi’ (Land of Sports) but also as a land of science and innovation. He called upon scientists, academicians, researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers to play an active role in making Uttarakhand empowered, prosperous, and self-reliant by integrating science, technology, and innovation into the mainstream of development.
MLA Shri Munna Singh Chauhan, Padma Shri Dr. B.K. Sanjay, Director General (Information) Shri Banshidhar Tiwari, Director General (UCOST) Prof. Durgesh Pant, Prof. J.P. Jaiswal from Pantnagar University, UCOST Joint Director Dr. D.P. Uniyal, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
