On December 19, 2024, in Dehradun, Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (Retd), the Governor of Uttarakhand, inaugurated the Women Scientists’ Conclave at the IRDT Auditorium. The event was organized by the Uttarakhand State Council for Science Education and Research (USERC) and aimed to honor women scientists who have made significant contributions in their fields.

Acknowledging Excellence in Science

During the conclave, several distinguished awards were presented:

• Young Women Scientist Excellence Award-2024: Dr Pratiksha Joshi, Tanuja Arya, Bahar Anjum, and Dr Deepti Rawat.
• Young Women Scientist Achievement Award-2024: Dr Meenakshi Rana, Dr Archana Dhyani, Binu Singh, Dr Nirjara Singvi, Dr Manu Pant, Dr Shraddha Bisht, Dr Neetu Pandey, Dr Divya Singh, and Dr Pawanika Choudhary.
• Science Awareness Student Award: Niharika Negi, Drishti Chauhan, and Shreya Rautela.

Promoting Women and Youth in Science

Governor Singh praised the achievements of the awardees, emphasizing their role in advancing India’s potential as a global leader. He stated, “Our daughters are excelling in every field. Their achievements are impressive and inspirational. This conclave is a remarkable convergence of technology, women power, and youth power.”

He stressed the importance of women’s contributions in various sectors, including education and technology, and encouraged greater participation in areas like artificial intelligence and virtual reality, highlighting that these fields are crucial for future advancements.

Impact on Uttarakhand’s Economy

Singh acknowledged the significant role of women in driving economic growth in Uttarakhand through self-help groups and skill development initiatives. He noted how these efforts have empowered women to create new opportunities and contribute positively to the state’s economy.

Commenting on the contributions of USERC, he highlighted its vital role in supporting the youth and women of the state through scientific education and environmental initiatives.

Key Attendees and Exposition

Among the notable attendees were Dr Manmohan Singh Chauhan, Vice-Chancellor of Govind Ballabh Pant Agricultural and Technological University, and Prof Omkar Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Uttarakhand Technical University. Both emphasized the significance of this conclave in fostering innovation and supporting women in science.

The event concluded with the Governor visiting an exhibition and engaging with students, further promoting a spirit of inquiry and innovation among the youth.