He was addressing The Pioneer Dialogue on ‘Mainstreaming Science, Technology and Innovation for a Prosperous Uttarakhand’ organised by The Pioneer in association with the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) here on Monday.
In his address, the CM emphasised on the need to take science and technology beyond the classrooms and laboratories for the benefit of the common people. He said that today, the global position and progress of nation is determined not by natural resources alone, but also by the capacity for knowledge, science, research and innovation of the country. Dhami added that modern technologies such as artificial intelligence, robotics, drones and semiconductors are playing a transformative role in various sectors, including health, education, agriculture, tourism and disaster management. Promoting innovation in these areas can also create new employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for youth, he opined.
On an emotional note, the CM discussed the devastation triggered by the natural disaster in different parts of the State last year. “I could hardly sleep at night and whenever I heard thunder I used to pray to the lord for the safety of the people of the State,’’ he said. Dhami said that use of technology can help in mitigating disasters and reducing response time to deal with the disasters effectively.
He averred that the youth of Uttarakhand are second to none in talent, innovation and hard work and there is a need to provide them with modern resources, quality training and appropriate opportunities. Dhami said that science, research and technological innovation are the cornerstones of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047. Initiatives such as Digital India, Startup India, the National Quantum Mission and the Semiconductor Mission are moving India toward becoming a global technological power. The CM said that inspired by the mantra of ‘ Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan and Jain Anushandhan’ given by PM Modi, the State government is promoting scientific temperament, research, innovation and startup culture. The State has implemented the Science, Technology and Innovation Policy, which aims to promote research and make youth job creators too instead of seeking jobs.
The CM said that modern facilities such as Science and Innovation Centres, Labs on Wheels, GIS-based dashboards, digital libraries, patent information centres and STEM labs are being expanded in the State. AI, robotics, drone technology, semiconductor technology, pre-incubation labs and the startup ecosystem are also being consistently encouraged, so that the State’s youth can access global opportunities within their own State.
He exhorted all scientists, academics, researchers, industry leaders and policymakers to work in tandem to make Uttarakhand strong, prosperous and self-reliant by integrating science, technology and innovation into the mainstream of development.
