Fourth विज्ञान प्रयोगधर्मी महिला सम्मान-2025 organized by USERC

The Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Centre (USERC), Dehradun, organized the “Fourth विज्ञान प्रयोगधर्मी महिला सम्मान-2025” on March 19, 2025, at the CIMS Institute, Kuwanwala, Dehradun.

The event began with a welcome address by USERC Director, Prof. (Dr.) Anita Rawat, who outlined the program’s objectives. In her speech, she emphasized that USERC continuously works to identify women from remote rural areas of Uttarakhand who have made remarkable contributions to society through scientific applications. The center supports and empowers these women by strengthening their economic and educational standing. For the past four years, progressive women entrepreneurs have been honored with this award for showcasing outstanding examples of successful applications, serving as an inspiration to others.

The chief guest, Mrs. Namami Bansal, IAS, Commissioner of Dehradun Municipal Corporation, encouraged the audience to guide and support young girls and women in building their careers and livelihoods for their social and economic development. She stressed the need to create awareness about women’s rights, domestic violence, and crimes against women.

Guest of honor, Prof. Jagmohan Singh Rana, former Chairman of the Public Service Commission, shared examples from the remote regions of Garhwal and Kumaon, highlighting how collective efforts by women have helped curb migration from these areas. He proposed implementing this model across Uttarakhand, asserting that the state’s development is interconnected with the collective progress of women. He also shared his international experiences with the students present.

Prominent social activist and educationist Mrs. Ranjana Rawat, a distinguished guest, emphasized the crucial role of mountain women in the state’s development. She called for collaborative efforts toward the overall development of rural women and praised USERC’s initiative, believing the innovation awards would significantly uplift rural women.

Advocate Lalit Joshi from CIMS, Dehradun, acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by rural women entrepreneurs. He emphasized the need to encourage successful women entrepreneurs to inspire and guide others in overcoming these challenges.

The event was moderated by USERC scientist Dr. Om Prakash Nautiyal, who introduced the esteemed guests. USERC scientist Dr. Manju Sundariyal delivered the vote of thanks, mentioning that a total of 16 rural women entrepreneurs from 9 districts of Uttarakhand were honored with the Science Innovation Award. She stressed the importance of replicating their successful applications in other districts.

During the event, 9 women were awarded the Third Women in Science Innovation Award, and 7 women received the Fourth Women in Science Innovation Award. Each awardee received ₹5000 cash, a certificate of appreciation, a shawl, and a memento.

List of 16 Awardees:

Third Women in Science Innovation Award:

Ms. Kavita Pal, Kavita Organics, Doiwala, Dehradun
Mrs. Bhawani Devi, Laxmi Self Help Group, Village-Sonla, Chamoli
Mrs. Sarojini Devi, Village-Girsa, P.O. Jilasu, Chamoli
Mrs. Shivani Bisht, Village-Mangher, P.O. Sunderkhal, Nainital
Mrs. Anupriya Rawat, Harsil, Uttarkashi
Mrs. Deepa Pandey, Haldwani Mushroom House, Heera Nagar, Haldwani
Mrs. Usha Devi, Village-Kund, Naugaon, Uttarkashi
Mrs. Sita Devi, Duwakoti, Narendra Nagar, Tehri Garhwal
Mrs. Neelam Singh Negi, Neelkanth, Gaumata Seva, Pauri Garhwal

Fourth Women in Science Innovation Award:

Mrs. Manju Rawat, Haldukhata, Kalalghati, Pauri Garhwal
Mrs. Anusuya Devi, Maithana, Dwarikhal, Pauri Garhwal
Mrs. Tulsi Mehra, President, Gayatri Cluster, Shyampur, Village-Haripur Kalan
Mrs. Sunita Devi, Salt, Almora
Mrs. Bhagwati Devi, Dhaturikhatta, Jhimar, Almora
Mrs. Laxmi Mishra, President, Sanrakshan Social Society, Dehradun
Mrs. Chetna Tamta, Village-Uderkhani, Bageshwar
This event successfully recognized and celebrated the efforts of women entrepreneurs using science to drive social and economic change in Uttarakhand’s rural communities.