The 13th Uttarakhand State Science and Technology Congress concluded with 46 young scientists awarded for their work in different fields on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion as the chief guest, the chairman of Uttarakhand Public Service Commission, Anand Singh Rawat, motivated participants to be doers and develop passion for the nation while also trying to contribute through innovative research towards the welfare of society. Saluting the soldiers safeguarding the nation’s borders, he said that it is because of science and technology that the soldiers were well equipped.
Speaking on the occasion of National Science Day, retired IAS officer Hem Kumar Pande analysed all the National Science Day themes since 1999, presenting a picture of where the efforts started, what the current status is and in which direction the efforts are headed. He also elaborated on the theme for this year “Science for the People, and the People for Science” while exhorting young researchers to develop scientific temperament and come up with small innovations that could change daily life. He also asked students to be entrepreneurs and develop devices for solid waste management so that the Himalayan region and hills can be rid of garbage heaps.
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Rishikesh director professor Ravi Kant, former chief secretary N Ravishankar, HNB Uttarakhand Medical Education University vice chancellorprofessor Hem Chandra, Wildlife Institute of India director VB Mathur and Indian Institute of Remote Sensing director Prakash Chauhan also addressed the gathering on the occasion.
Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) director general Rajendra Dobhal informed that out of 500 papers presented in the 13th science and technology congress, 46 students were selected for Young Scientist Award. Upasana from GB Pant University of Agriculture and Technology received the Innovator of the Year award for 2018-19.