The Uttarakhand government has begun work on establishing a Science City in Dehradun that will house multipronged research activities, with the aim of creating a model umbrella scientific institution for the entire country.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the Dehradun Science City will emerge as a model destination for employment and scientific innovation for young people from across the country.
Sharing the information on Monday, the Chief Minister said that the construction of the Dehradun Science City is progressing rapidly and is expected to emerge as an exemplary platform for multipurpose scientific research activities.
“The Dehradun Science City will become a leading centre for science, innovation, and research not only for Uttarakhand but also for students, researchers, and the scientific community across the country in the coming years. The Science City will offer state-of-the-art facilities to our youth working in the fields of science and research,” Dhami said while reviewing the under-construction project.
The Chief Minister said that the entire world is witnessing an unprecedented technological transformation. “Robots are now working everywhere, from factories to hospitals. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is taking human capability to newer heights. Emerging technologies such as data science, drone technology, semiconductors, and biotechnology are shaping the direction of the world today. We must not only embrace this change but also lead it from the front,” he said.
Dhami said that many states look to Uttarakhand as a model for best practices in several areas. Referring to the rescue operation of workers trapped in the Silkyara Tunnel, he said the operation was appreciated as a best practice at the recent BRICS Summit.
He added that Uttarakhand’s youth possess immense talent and intellect. “We now need to develop an ecosystem in the state where young talent receives the right guidance so that they can make their mark globally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 has science, technology, and research as its cornerstone. The country is moving forward with major initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, and the National Quantum Mission. India has now become the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. Similarly, through the Semiconductor Mission, India is on the path to becoming self-reliant in electronics and chip manufacturing,” Dhami said.
The Chief Minister said the Uttarakhand government is also working with commitment to transform the Himalayan state into a global hub for science, technology, and modern research. “In this direction, the state’s first Science, Technology and Innovation Policy has been implemented.
The objective of this policy is to develop a self-reliant ecosystem where our youth do not remain merely job seekers but become job creators on the strength of their innovative ideas. This policy will not confine science to laboratories but will make it a powerful medium to connect with and benefit the common people,” he added.
Dhami further said that Uttarakhand’s geographical conditions present many challenges, but the Himalayas are the state’s greatest strength.
“Our biodiversity, invaluable medicinal plants, perennial water sources, organic farming, and rich cultural heritage are our real assets. If we develop local, science-based solutions to our challenges, Uttarakhand can become an ideal model of development for the entire country,” he said.