PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Principal scientific advisor to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) chief executive officer Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee director KK Pant and Padma Bhushan recipient environmentalist Anil Prakash Joshi visited the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST). They appreciated UCOST’s innovative science communication initiative Vigyan Vani 88.8 MHz and commended the council’s efforts in taking science and technology to the common people.
Praising the initiative, Sood said that Uttarakhand is a scientifically rich State, with the presence of several prestigious scientific and research institutions. By combining the expertise and achievements of these institutions, the benefits of science and technology can be disseminated to the general public through a ‘Whole of State’ approach. He also emphasised the need to connect scientific work and technological interventions across the country with society through the approach.
Kalyanaraman shared information about ANRF’s role and various initiatives to promote research and innovation in the country. He explained that information related to research and scientific activities across the country is being shared through ANRF’s social media platforms. He also mentioned the “Simple AI” initiative, which is using artificial intelligence to simplify and facilitate research. Pant emphasised the importance of taking locally developed knowledge, technology and innovations to the global level. He highlighted the various collaborative efforts being undertaken between UCOST and IIT Roorkee and encouraged youth to pursue startups and entrepreneurship. He stated that IIT Roorkee can provide technical guidance and support to youth in the field of innovation and startups.
UCOST director general Durgesh Pant, provided detailed information about the council’s eight achievements and plans to all present. He underscored the importance of science communication, research, innovation and disseminating scientific achievements to society through simple and effective means.
