Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inspected the Science City being built in UCOST. He launched many new initiatives to promote science, AI, startups, research and innovation.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami took stock of the Science City being built at Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST). Along with this, he also participated in a program on Science, Technology and Innovation Policy (STIP).
Addressing the people on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the work of Science City in Dehradun is going on at a fast pace. In the coming years, it will emerge as a big center of science, innovation and research not only for Uttarakhand but also for students, researchers and scientists of the entire country. He said that in this center young innovators will get modern infrastructure, through which they will be able to convert their ideas into reality.
New science related initiatives launched
The Chief Minister also inaugurated community science radio stations ‘Vigyan Vani’ (88.8 MHz), ‘Vigyan Drishyam’ and ‘Vigyan Dhara’ under the ‘Vigyan Setu’ initiative. He said that these efforts will help in taking the difficult scientific experiments and information done in the lab to the people living in remote villages of Uttarakhand.
Development and nature can go together
Dhami said that Harela Week is currently being celebrated in the state. He described Harela as not just a festival but a symbol of faith in nature, commitment towards environmental protection and our responsibility for the future generations. He said that when the world is facing challenges related to climate change, global warming and environment, Harela gives the message that development and nature can move forward together.
Need to adopt technological changes
The Chief Minister said that the world is going through a major technological change. Robots are being used in industry and hospitals, while Artificial Intelligence (AI) is further enhancing human capabilities. He said that new technologies like data science, drone technology, semiconductor and biotechnology are determining the future. Dhami stressed that India not only has to embrace these changes but also lead them.
Uttarakhand is becoming a model of best practice
Dhami said that many states are now looking at Uttarakhand as a model of best practice in different sectors. He mentioned the successful rescue operation of workers trapped in Silkyara Tunnel, which was presented as a best practice in the BRICS Summit. He also informed that the state government has decided to celebrate 28th November every year as ‘Disaster Management Day’.
Keeping pace with the national vision ‘Developed India 2047’
He also talked about the talent of the youth of Uttarakhand and stressed on creating an ecosystem that can give them recognition at the global level. The Chief Minister said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Developed India 2047’ is completely based on science, technology and research. He reminded that the Prime Minister has given a new direction to scientists and young innovators by adding “Jai Anusandhan” to the slogan of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan”.
He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, India is moving forward through major initiatives like ‘Digital India’, ‘Startup India’ and ‘National Quantum Mission’. India now has the world’s third largest startup ecosystem and is moving towards self-reliance in electronics and semiconductor manufacturing through the ‘Semiconductor Mission’.
Science and Innovation Policy of Uttarakhand
He said that the Uttarakhand government is also committed to making the state a global hub of science, technology and advanced research. The state’s first Science, Technology and Innovation Policy has already been implemented. Its objective is to create a self-reliant innovation ecosystem, where youth become job providers rather than job seekers with their innovative ideas.
He said that the aim of this policy is to take science out of the laboratories and connect it with everyday life for the betterment of the society.
Sustainable development through local strength
Highlighting the specialties of Uttarakhand, the Chief Minister said that although the geographical conditions of the state pose big challenges, the Himalayas, rich biodiversity, medicinal plants, perennial water sources, organic farming and cultural heritage are our biggest strengths. He said that by developing scientific and local solutions to local challenges, Uttarakhand can become a model of sustainable development for the entire country.
Expansion of Science Ecosystem
Dhami said the government is expanding Science and Innovation Centres, Labs on Wheels, Digital Libraries, Patent Information Centres, STEM Labs and GIS-based technology systems across the state. Future technologies like Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Drones, Semiconductor and Pre-incubation Lab are also being promoted. On this occasion, he announced that land will be given to build a startup center within the UCOST campus. The Chief Minister also planted a sapling during the program.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Asianet News editorial staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)