India stands among world’s leading nations in space technology: Subodh Uniyal
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The sixth Dehradun International Science and Technology Festival 2025 commenced at Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) here on Wednesday. The State minister for Forests, Technical Education and Parliamentary Affairs, Subodh Uniyal inaugurated the three-day festival.
Addressing the gathering, Uniyal emphasised that India’s remarkable progress on the global stage is largely driven by advancements in science and technology, noting that India today stands among the world’s leading nations in space technology. “Knowledge is one such resource that grows only by sharing,” he said.
On this occasion, he felicitated some leading scientific and research institutions for their outstanding contributions to the development of Uttarakhand. Those honoured included the director, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Harinder Singh Bisht; head (Corporate), ONGC Limited, Neeraj Kumar Sharma; managing director, Uttarakhand Jal Vidyut Nigam, Sandeep Singhal and chief general manager, NABARD Uttarakhand, Pankaj Yadav.
Delivering the presidential address, the Padma Bhushan awardee Anil Prakash Joshi reflected on the role of science in global progress. He noted that before 1800, the United States had contributed only 5 per cent to the world GDP. “But after the scientific revolution, its share grew immensely—an achievement made possible solely through the advancement of science and technology,” he said.
The UCOST director general, Durgesh Pant highlighted UCOST’s continuous efforts to connect people with livelihood opportunities and modern technology through science. A large number of scientists, researchers, and students were also present.
Earlier in the day, the festival hosted a science poster competition in which 39 students were awarded prizes by Anil Prakash Joshi in various categories.
Additionally, over 2,000 students visited the Science and Technology Exhibition and the Regional Science Centre, both of which will remain open to the public for the remaining two days of the festival. The exhibition and centre visits are free for all students and visitors.
