Historic Launch of India’s First Regional Science and Technology Cluster
CHANDIGARH: A significant milestone has been achieved as the first Regional Science and Technology Cluster in India is officially launched at Panjab University, with backing from the Office of the Principal Scientific Advisor (PSA) to the Government of India. Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora, a distinguished female leader with extensive expertise in policy formulation and infrastructure development, has taken the helm as the Advisor for the North Region S&T Cluster.
Leading the Charge for Innovation
This cluster, a collaborative effort between Panjab University and the Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, is managed by the Panjab University – IIT Ropar Regional Accelerator for Holistic Innovations Foundation (PI-RAHI). Under Dr. Arora’s visionary leadership, PI-RAHI aims to unite various stakeholders, including research institutions, industry players, and governmental bodies across Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and Chandigarh. The primary goal is to foster technology-driven enterprises while addressing social challenges and fulfilling the unmet requirements of industries through innovative technological solutions.
Dr. Arora’s Remarkable Accomplishments
With over 35 years of distinguished service, Dr. Arora has previously served as the Executive Director of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology and as the Member Secretary of the Punjab Biodiversity Board. Her commitment to the advancement of women’s roles in science and technology has garnered her the prestigious ‘National Award for Women’s Development through Application of Science & Technology’ from the Government of India. Furthermore, the Punjab Government has honored her with the ‘Punjab Sarkar Parman Patra’ for her outstanding contributions in the field, while the Indian Television Academy has recognized her accomplishments with the ‘Gr8 Women Award’.
Driving Sustainable Development
Dr. Arora has played a pivotal role in facilitating technology transfers aimed at cleaner production for over 1500 industries. In addition, she has led the initiative for the development of the State Action Plan on Climate Change 2.0 in Punjab, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to sustainable innovation and environmental stewardship.
