CM Dhami Launches Science Festival in Bageshwar with Massive Tech Boost
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurates the 5th Border Hill District Children’s Science Festival in Bageshwar, announcing major funds for AI and STEM.
In a major push to foster scientific temperament in the remote corners of the state, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami inaugurated the Fifth Border Hill District Children’s Science Festival on Friday. Held at the Vivekananda Vidya Mandir Inter College in Mandalsera, Bageshwar, the event serves as a premier platform for young minds from the state's most rugged terrains to showcase their ingenuity.
Major Funding and AI Integration Announced
The Chief Minister did not just inaugurate the event; he laid out a transformative roadmap for science education in Uttarakhand. Highlighting the need to bridge the gap between remote districts and modern technology, CM Dhami made several landmark announcements:
- Financial Support: A dedicated allocation of ₹1 crore has been sanctioned for the Border District Science Festival and associated programs to drive research and innovation.
- AI-Powered Learning: The state will integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) laboratories across schools.
- Mobile Labs: To ensure no student is left behind, a "Lab on Wheels" will be operated in every development block.
- District-wide Infrastructure: New Science and Innovation Centres are set to be established in every district of Uttarakhand.
- Future Tech in Schools: The government plans to link school curricula with robotics and drone technology.
Empowering Young Innovators
Organised under the aegis of the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), this two-day festival has drawn 240 selected young scientists. These budding researchers hail from the border districts of Chamoli, Champawat, Rudraprayag, Bageshwar, Uttarkashi, and Pithoragarh.
During his interaction with the participants, CM Dhami encouraged the children to maintain their curiosity. "Today’s young scientists will become the country’s leading scientists, engineers, and researchers in the future," he remarked, noting that their contributions would be vital in achieving the vision of a developed India by 2047.
He further urged the students to draw inspiration from the late former President Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, emphasizing that pursuing careers in research is essential for the development of both the state and the nation.
Honouring Excellence and Future Visions
The festival also served as a moment to recognize the mentors behind the talent. Teachers who have demonstrated exceptional excellence in the field of science were formally honored during the ceremony.
Looking at the broader picture, the Chief Minister highlighted that science and technology are being leveraged not just in classrooms, but also to enhance government transparency and promote smart agriculture. He noted that while a Science City is being developed in Dehradun, a dedicated Science Centre is also being established in Champawat to ensure regional growth.
The event concluded with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, with the CM announcing plans for a future Women's Science and Development Conference to encourage more women to lead in scientific fields.