Date: 08 July 2025 | Source: PIB Delhi

In a landmark step towards decentralising scientific outreach, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of Science and Technology, inaugurated the Dholpur Science Centre in Rajasthan. Developed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in collaboration with the National Institute of Immunology (NII) and the National Science Centre, this initiative is part of the government’s push to bring science closer to India’s aspirational districts.

Designed as a Youth Innovation Hub, the Dholpur centre offers hands-on exhibits, STEM learning modules, and platforms for local entrepreneurship. It aims to ignite curiosity and innovation among school students and young minds in the region.

“This is not just infrastructure—it’s a mission to empower rural youth to dream big, innovate locally, and aim globally,” said Dr. Singh, addressing students and teachers gathered at the event.

The centre aligns with the government’s ‘Vigyan Setu’ vision, acting as a bridge between national scientific institutions and rural or under-served areas. It also supports DBT’s BioE3 vision—Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment—focusing on rural empowerment through science-driven development.

“Science today can take you from your village to space,” said Dr. Singh, referencing astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s role in the Axiom Mission-4 to the International Space Station as an example of what India’s youth can achieve.

Dr. Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s transformation of ‘backward districts’ into aspirational ones, stating that no region is inherently backward—it is all about benchmarks, resources, and opportunities. He noted that several such districts have now outperformed others under this model.

He called on students to take ownership of the new centre and encouraged a mindset shift in both students and policymakers towards science-led progress. He also praised the National Education Policy, which now allows for flexibility in subject choices based on student interests.

Highlighting that over 60 per cent of Indian startups now emerge from tier-2 and tier-3 towns, Dr. Singh said regions like Dholpur have become fertile ground for new ideas and scientific entrepreneurship.

He urged local institutions to host science festivals, capacity-building sessions, and community outreach programmes to keep the momentum going.

Officials from DBT, the Rajasthan Government, and national science institutions attended the event, which featured live demonstrations by students, who explained complex concepts with clarity and enthusiasm.

The Centre will serve as a catalyst for scientific thinking, innovation, and inquiry across schools in Dholpur and neighbouring areas, helping prepare India’s youth for the centenary of independence in 2047.

“This is your Science Centre,” Dr. Singh told the students. “Own it, explore it, and let it shape your dreams.”

Release ID: 2143186

Prepared by: NKR / PSM