Inauguration of Third Border Mountain District Children’s Science Festival

The third Border Mountain District Children Science Festival organized by Uttarakhand Council of Science and Technology (UCOST) in Pithoragarh was inaugurated today with great enthusiasm. This festival is being organized in the memory of famous geo-scientist Padmashree and Padma Bhushan Prof. K.S. Valdiya. This two-day event is providing a unique opportunity to the students of border mountain districts of Uttarakhand to showcase their talent in the field of science, technology and innovation, which will prove helpful in developing their scientific thinking and creativity.

The program was inaugurated by the special guest, Honorable Cabinet Minister of State, Government of India and Almora-Pithoragarh Lok Sabha MP Ajay Tamta ji. In his address, he appreciated the efforts of UCOST to take science education to remote areas and inspired the students to use their knowledge and skills in the interest of the society.

UCOST Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant gave the welcome address and welcomed all the guests, scientists, teachers and students. Highlighting the objectives of the Bal Vigyan Mahotsav, he described it as an important effort to increase interest in science and innovation among the students of border areas.

A video message of Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami ji was also broadcast in the program, in which he inspired the students of border areas to connect with the mainstream of science and encourage their talent. Padmashree Kalyan Singh Rawat ji, founder of Maiti Movement, shared his views on the importance of environmental protection and community efforts. Dr. Ashok Pant, Chairman of Manas Group of Institutions, told the students the importance of innovation in the field of education and science. Dr. D.K. Pandey, former senior scientist of DST Government of India, provided guidance on the use of science and technology, while Prof. N.S. Bhandari, former Vice Chancellor of Soban Singh Jeena Residential University, Almora, highlighted the importance of development of scientific thinking and education. Dr. C.M. Nautiyal, former Director of Birbal Sahni Institute, Lucknow, inspired the students to understand the complexities of science.

The aim of this festival is to generate interest in science, technology and innovation among students of marginalized areas and motivate them to contribute to the progress of society in future.