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CM inaugurates ‘She for STEM’ Workshop in Doon
my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 11 Feb: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the ‘She for STEM Uttarakhand’ workshop organised at Uttarakhand Technical University, Suddhowala, here, today, on the occasion of International Day of Women and Girls in Science. On this occasion, he reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to empowering women through science, technology and innovation.
Extending greetings on International Day of Women and Girls in Science, the CM congratulated all the participants and felicitated 20 meritorious girl students under the ‘She for STEM’ initiative by awarding scholarships of Rs 50,000 each. On the occasion, he also announced that under the scheme, five girl students from every district would be granted scholarships in the coming phase. He also declared that financial resources would be made available to support girl students seeking to launch startups in STEM fields and that self-help groups would be linked to Women Technology Centres to strengthen grassroots participation.
Dhami expressed satisfaction that through this special programme, talented ‘daughters’ of the State are being encouraged to pursue education and careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. He noted that focused efforts are being made to promote science, technology and innovation in remote and border areas and to connect women with modern technological advancements. He commended the organisers, including InMobi, Vigyanshala International, UCOST and Uttarakhand Technical University, for successfully conducting the forward-looking initiative.
Recalling India’s historical legacy, the CM observed that women in Indian civilisation have never been confined to domestic roles but have contributed significantly to science, philosophy, astronomy and medicine. He referred to scholars such as Gargi and Maitreyi in the Vedic era who led philosophical discourse and also mentioned Lilavati who made notable contributions to mathematics. He further reminded that evidence of women’s contributions is also found in the development of classical Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
He stated that in modern times too, women have enhanced India’s pride through exceptional achievements in science and technology. Anna Mani emerged as India’s first woman meteorologist in pre-Independence India and earned recognition as the ‘Weather Woman of India’ for her pioneering work in meteorology and scientific instrumentation. Kamala Sohonie became the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in science, demonstrating that talent transcends barriers. In contemporary India, Tessy Thomas, popularly known as the ‘Missile Woman of India’, led significant missile projects including Agni-IV and Agni-V, while Ritu Karidhal, celebrated as the ‘Rocket Woman of India’, played a key role in the success of the Mars Orbiter Mission, taking India to new heights on the global stage.
Dhami noted that when women are given opportunities, they not only carve a path for themselves but also guide the nation towards new horizons. He pointed out that nearly 42 to 43 per cent of STEM graduates in India are women, a figure that surpasses many developed countries, reflecting the growing leadership of Indian daughters in science and technology.
Dhami stressed that young women and girls must be provided opportunities, resources and confidence to realise their aspirations and contribute to the vision of a developed India. Referring to the Prime Minister’s belief that India’s progress in the 21st century will depend on scientific and technological innovation, Dhami also underlined achievements such as the development of Covid vaccines, Chandrayaan-3, Aditya L1 and the Gaganyaan mission. He observed that under the Digital India campaign, advanced technologies including artificial intelligence, machine learning and cloud computing are being promoted to position India at the forefront of the global technological revolution.
The CM also claimed that empowering women technologically has been a key focus area, with initiatives to enhance digital literacy among women and expand their participation in STEM education. He cited national schemes such as Vigyan Jyoti, which motivates girls from Classes 9 to 12; the Pragati Scholarship Scheme providing Rs 50,000 annually to girls pursuing diploma and degree courses in engineering; the INSPIRE programme supporting higher education in science and research; and the Atal Innovation Mission, under which Atal Tinkering Labs provide exposure to robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and innovation. He also referred to the Women Scientist Scheme offering research fellowships. He also noted that the Union Budget 2026–27 contains provisions to promote higher education and STEM participation among women.
Dhami asserted that inspired by the PM’s vision, the State Government has implemented Uttarakhand’s first Science, Technology and Innovation Policy and is developing a robust ecosystem aligned with digital governance, research and development. Infrastructure including Science and Innovation Centres, Labs on Wheels, a GSI dashboard, digital libraries, patent information centres and STEM labs is being strengthened, he asserted adding that initiatives to establish facilities in artificial intelligence, robotics, drones, semiconductors and pre-incubation laboratories are also being advanced. He also stated that construction of the country’s fifth Science City in Dehradun is underway and is expected to provide the State with a distinct identity in science and innovation.
Expressing confidence that the Science City would help establish Uttarakhand as a global destination for science and innovation, Dhami reiterated that the Government aims to ensure that women and girls progress in science and technology without barriers and contribute equally to the State’s development. Recalling PM Modi’s statement from Kedarnath in 2021 that the third decade of the 21st century would belong to Uttarakhand, Dhami said the Government is working with unwavering resolve to fulfil this vision and that true realisation of this goal would depend upon every daughter of the State becoming empowered and self-reliant.
The CM expressed strong belief that initiatives such as ‘She for STEM’ would inspire the ‘daughters’ of Uttarakhand to achieve excellence in science and technology and contribute significantly to the progress and prosperity of both the State and the nation. Among those present on the occasion included Sahaspur MLA Sahdev Singh Pundir, Secretary Ranjit Sinha, Director General, UCOST, Prof Dr Durgesh Pant and a large number of students.
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