Take science beyond laboratories and reach every citizen," Chief Minister urges scientists
The Chief Minister attended the second day of the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) in Panchkula as the Chief Guest
Sh Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the Students’ Science and Technology Village
Science is not just a career, but a means of nation-building, says the Chief Minister
Despite being an agrarian state, Haryana is rapidly emerging as a hub of science, education, and innovation - Sh Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, December 7: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini urged scientists to take science beyond the walls of laboratories and ensure that its benefits reach the last person in society. He said that science brings true prosperity only when knowledge helps a farmer increase crop yield, when research cures a patient’s illness, and when innovation empowers an entrepreneur.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest on the second day of the four-day 11th India International Science Festival, being held in Sector-5, Panchkula.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Students’ Science and Technology Village at the event, describing it as the “New Nalanda” of modern India. On this occasion, he also visited the science exhibition and showed keen interest in the latest technologies in the fields of science and innovation.
Youth, students, and scientists represent the generation that will transform India into a developed nation
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that science is not just a career but a medium for nation-building. Interacting with youth, students, and scientists, he said that they are the generation that will shape India into a developed nation. He urged all scientists, research institutions, industry partners, the start-up community, and young innovators to work together to create a science-based development model that provides a better quality of life to every citizen, gives India global leadership, and ensures a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the planet.
Haryana honored to host the Science Festival for the second time
Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh for giving Haryana the opportunity to host this major science festival for the second time. He said that more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad are taking part in this four-day ‘Science Mahakumbh’. The Chief Minister said he was pleased that special attention has been given to the youth particularly from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the northern and western states so that every region of the country can move forward together on the path of scientific progress.
This science festival is a significant step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation
Referring to the Science Festival, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that it is a confluence of science, innovation, start-up energy, future technologies, and the aspirations of a New India. He said that the theme of this year’s festival, ‘Science for Prosperity for a Self-Reliant India’, is extremely relevant. He said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed nation by 2047, and under his leadership, the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace in the field of science and technology. India has emerged as one of the leading nations in lunar, solar, and space research, as well as in areas such as quantum technology, deep-tech, AI, drones, and biotechnology. He said that this Science Festival is also a concrete step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation.
Science is not limited to laboratories but touches every sphere of life
The Chief Minister said that events like the India International Science Festival send a clear message that science is not confined to laboratories. It is present in the fields, in factories, and in our villages. Science is in our mobile phones, healthcare services, education, and governance—in every sphere of life. Today, science forms the foundation of policy-making, and new technology is the driving engine of development. He added that another key objective of this festival is to showcase India’s scientific excellence on the world stage under the able leadership of the Prime Minister.
The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana, despite being an agrarian state, is rapidly emerging as a center of science, education, and innovation. The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies.
He said that cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula, and Hisar are becoming major IT and R&D hubs in the country. Gurugram has already established itself as a leading center for IT, AI, and cyber technology. High-tech research and innovation centers have been set up in Faridabad and Panchkula, while cities such as Karnal, Hisar, and Rohtak are emerging as important hubs for agricultural technology and climate services. Recently, the Mahabharata-based Anubhav Kendra developed in Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, has opened a new chapter in science tourism.
He further said that universities and technical institutions in Haryana are conducting cutting-edge research in drones, biotechnology, machine learning, robotics, environmental science, and space studies. Farmers in Haryana are also increasingly adopting sensor-based irrigation and practicing climate-smart agriculture.
The Government aims to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development
The Chief Minister said that their goal is to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development. To foster students’ interest in science, a Science Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is being implemented in schools. Under this scheme, 1,500 students studying science in Classes 11 and 12 receive a scholarship of Rs 1,000 per month. Undergraduate students receive Rs 4,000 per month, while postgraduate students receive Rs 6,000 per month.
In addition, a separate scheme has been introduced to honor students who win medals or participate in the International Science Olympiad, under which cash prizes of up to Rs 5 lakh are awarded. Similarly, gold medal winners of the Junior Science Olympiad are given cash prizes of up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
The Government is also encouraging young scientists
The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is also encouraging young scientists. For this purpose, two eminent scientists above the age of 40 are honored each year with the ‘Haryana Vigyan Ratna’ award, while two distinguished scientists from the state below the age of 40 are conferred the ‘Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna’ award annually.
Present on the occasion were Secretary DBT Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Joint Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Sh D.S. Pandian, National Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, General Secretary Sh Vivekananda Pai, Director IITM Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Executive Director of the Indian National Science Academy Dr. Brijesh Pandey, Scientists from Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jagveer Singh and Dr. Vinu Valsala, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey, scientists, representatives of Indian science institutions, Industry representatives, researchers, start-ups, and students.
===================================
Take science beyond laboratories and reach every citizen," Chief Minister urges scientists
The Chief Minister attended the second day of the 11th India International Science Festival (IISF) in Panchkula as the Chief Guest
Sh Nayab Singh Saini inaugurated the Students’ Science and Technology Village
Science is not just a career, but a means of nation-building, says the Chief Minister
Despite being an agrarian state, Haryana is rapidly emerging as a hub of science, education, and innovation - Sh Nayab Singh Saini
Chandigarh, December 7: Haryana Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini urged scientists to take science beyond the walls of laboratories and ensure that its benefits reach the last person in society. He said that science brings true prosperity only when knowledge helps a farmer increase crop yield, when research cures a patient’s illness, and when innovation empowers an entrepreneur.
The Chief Minister was addressing the gathering as the Chief Guest on the second day of the four-day 11th India International Science Festival, being held in Sector-5, Panchkula.
Earlier, the Chief Minister inaugurated the Students’ Science and Technology Village at the event, describing it as the “New Nalanda” of modern India. On this occasion, he also visited the science exhibition and showed keen interest in the latest technologies in the fields of science and innovation.
Youth, students, and scientists represent the generation that will transform India into a developed nation
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that science is not just a career but a medium for nation-building. Interacting with youth, students, and scientists, he said that they are the generation that will shape India into a developed nation. He urged all scientists, research institutions, industry partners, the start-up community, and young innovators to work together to create a science-based development model that provides a better quality of life to every citizen, gives India global leadership, and ensures a sustainable and environmentally responsible future for the planet.
Haryana honored to host the Science Festival for the second time
Chief Minister Sh Nayab Singh Saini expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi and Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh for giving Haryana the opportunity to host this major science festival for the second time. He said that more than 40,000 participants from India and abroad are taking part in this four-day ‘Science Mahakumbh’. The Chief Minister said he was pleased that special attention has been given to the youth particularly from Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, and the northern and western states so that every region of the country can move forward together on the path of scientific progress.
This science festival is a significant step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation
Referring to the Science Festival, Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that it is a confluence of science, innovation, start-up energy, future technologies, and the aspirations of a New India. He said that the theme of this year’s festival, ‘Science for Prosperity for a Self-Reliant India’, is extremely relevant. He said that Prime Minister Sh Narendra Modi has pledged to make India a developed nation by 2047, and under his leadership, the country is progressing at an unprecedented pace in the field of science and technology. India has emerged as one of the leading nations in lunar, solar, and space research, as well as in areas such as quantum technology, deep-tech, AI, drones, and biotechnology. He said that this Science Festival is also a concrete step toward fulfilling the Prime Minister’s resolve to make India a developed nation.
Science is not limited to laboratories but touches every sphere of life
The Chief Minister said that events like the India International Science Festival send a clear message that science is not confined to laboratories. It is present in the fields, in factories, and in our villages. Science is in our mobile phones, healthcare services, education, and governance—in every sphere of life. Today, science forms the foundation of policy-making, and new technology is the driving engine of development. He added that another key objective of this festival is to showcase India’s scientific excellence on the world stage under the able leadership of the Prime Minister.
The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies
Sh Nayab Singh Saini said that Haryana, despite being an agrarian state, is rapidly emerging as a center of science, education, and innovation. The government is prioritizing STEM education, AI and robotics, start-up development, cybersecurity, agritech, biotech, and space technology in its policies.
He said that cities like Gurugram, Faridabad, Panchkula, and Hisar are becoming major IT and R&D hubs in the country. Gurugram has already established itself as a leading center for IT, AI, and cyber technology. High-tech research and innovation centers have been set up in Faridabad and Panchkula, while cities such as Karnal, Hisar, and Rohtak are emerging as important hubs for agricultural technology and climate services. Recently, the Mahabharata-based Anubhav Kendra developed in Jyotisar, Kurukshetra, has opened a new chapter in science tourism.
He further said that universities and technical institutions in Haryana are conducting cutting-edge research in drones, biotechnology, machine learning, robotics, environmental science, and space studies. Farmers in Haryana are also increasingly adopting sensor-based irrigation and practicing climate-smart agriculture.
The Government aims to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development
The Chief Minister said that their goal is to make Haryana a leading state in the country not only in industrial development but also in science-based development. To foster students’ interest in science, a Science Talent Search Scholarship Scheme is being implemented in schools. Under this scheme, 1,500 students studying science in Classes 11 and 12 receive a scholarship of Rs 1,000 per month. Undergraduate students receive Rs 4,000 per month, while postgraduate students receive Rs 6,000 per month.
In addition, a separate scheme has been introduced to honor students who win medals or participate in the International Science Olympiad, under which cash prizes of up to Rs 5 lakh are awarded. Similarly, gold medal winners of the Junior Science Olympiad are given cash prizes of up to Rs 2.5 lakh.
The Government is also encouraging young scientists
The Chief Minister said that the Haryana Government is also encouraging young scientists. For this purpose, two eminent scientists above the age of 40 are honored each year with the ‘Haryana Vigyan Ratna’ award, while two distinguished scientists from the state below the age of 40 are conferred the ‘Haryana Yuva Vigyan Ratna’ award annually.
Present on the occasion were Secretary DBT Dr. Rajesh Gokhale, Joint Secretary Ministry of Earth Sciences Sh D.S. Pandian, National Organizing Secretary of Vigyan Bharati Dr. Shiv Kumar Sharma, General Secretary Sh Vivekananda Pai, Director IITM Dr. Suryachandra Rao, Executive Director of the Indian National Science Academy Dr. Brijesh Pandey, Scientists from Ministry of Earth Sciences Dr. Jagveer Singh and Dr. Vinu Valsala, Media Secretary to the Chief Minister Sh Praveen Atrey, scientists, representatives of Indian science institutions, Industry representatives, researchers, start-ups, and students.
==================================================
Recruitment in various departments of Haryana to begin soon: CM Nayab Singh Saini
Indigenous producers being strengthened through Swadeshi fairs: CM
Roads damaged due to rain and floods to be repaired soon: CM
Swadeshi Rath Yatra flagged off from Kaithal under Aatmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan
Chandigarh, December 7 — Haryana Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini said recruitment will soon be conducted in various departments in Haryana, which will provide employment opportunities to the youth. He said the BJP government, which provides jobs without ‘parchi-kharchi’, is the true protector of public interest. Jobs are being provided strictly on merit and it is a matter of pride that Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi himself mentioned this in the Lok Sabha.
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini was addressing a programme at RKSD College in Kaithal. He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the double-engine government in Haryana is working to fulfil the resolve of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Today, India is the world’s fourth-largest economic power. Prime Minister Modi has called upon the nation that if India wants to become the world’s third-largest economic power, the path must go through becoming self-reliant. Therefore, he appealed to everyone to buy and sell only products made in India.
He said it is the identity of every BJP worker that they protect the interests of the youth and the people of the State. He said before the elections, the Haryana BJP government had taken 217 resolutions, out of which 50 have already been fulfilled, and 90 more will be completed soon. After coming to power, the government provided gas cylinders to women for Rs 500. Under the Lado Laxmi Yojana, women are being given Rs 2100, every month fulfilling the government’s promise. Two instalments have already been given under this scheme. He said that eligible poor families are being allotted plots, and 550 flats are being allotted in Sonipat as well.
Making a major announcement, the Chief Minister said roads damaged due to rain have been repaired, and all such damaged roads in the State will be restored by the end of this year. For this, instructions have been issued to ensure coordination among six departments.
He said under the leadership of Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, the government across the country is working so effectively for public welfare that the opposition is left without any issue. Therefore, the opposition is spreading lies. BJP workers should take the government’s policies to the people and expose such misinformation. He instructed party workers to listen to “Mann Ki Baat” and to involve village elders as chairpersons during such gatherings, giving them honour and respect. He also urged them to promote plantation drives.
Chief Minister flags off Swadeshi Rath Yatra
Chief Minister Sh. Nayab Singh Saini on Sunday flagged off the Swadeshi Rath Yatra from RKSD College in Kaithal under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Sankalp Abhiyan. On this occasion, BJP State President Sh. Mohan Lal Badoli, Haryana’s Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment Sh. Krishan Kumar Bedi, and several senior leaders were present. Earlier, while interacting with the media, the Chief Minister said that this Yatra will travel across every corner of the State and will spread awareness about Swadeshi Bharat. The Yatra will continue till December 24.
The Haryana Government is organising Swadeshi fairs, and such fairs have already been held in Panchkula and Faridabad. He further said that Aatmanirbhar Bharat should be turned into a people’s movement. We should all resolve to adopt Swadeshi in our personal and family lives. Together, we will build an Aatmanirbhar Haryana that will contribute to creating an Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The path to a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) passes through self-reliance.
=============================================
*India now shaping global trends in technology driven growth, has moved from a traditional economy to an innovation economy: Dr. Jitendra Singh at India International Science Festival, Panchkula*
*New national R&D fund will unlock high-risk, high-impact deep-tech innovation: Dr Jitendra Singh*
Chandigarh, December 7: India has entered a decisive phase in its evolution from a traditional economy to an innovation-driven nation, and is now shaping global trends in technology driven growth instead of following them, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology; Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office; and Minister of State for the Departments of Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh said at the 4-day India International Science Festival (IISF), currently being held here.
Speaking during a special Fireside Chat at IISF, the Minister said the last decade has brought a fundamental shift in India’s scientific temperament, policy direction, and governance approach. He said India’s economic growth is now clearly powered by science, technology, research, and innovation, and that the global community increasingly sees India as a source of new models for governance, public service delivery, and technology-led development.
Dr. Jitendra Singh said India has never lacked talent, potential or commitment, but what has changed is the quality of political support and the clarity of national purpose. He said India is no longer late to global technological transitions and, in many emerging areas, including biotechnology, nuclear innovation, regenerative sciences and next-generation space technologies, the country is now playing a defining leadership role.
At the festival, the Minister spoke extensively about the launch of the new national R&D fund, calling it a transformative step to unlock high-risk, high-impact innovation. He said this fund will support research and enterprise in sectors that were previously inaccessible to private players, such as space and nuclear energy. He described the initiative as a “catalytic push” designed to help Indian industry build long-term capabilities through low-interest, long-duration financial assistance, enabling companies to scale confidently before they emerge as strong, independent contributors to India’s technological rise.
Reflecting on the opening of the space sector, the minister said there was a time when even journalists were not allowed inside the gates of Sriharikota during rocket launches. He said the change brought in under Prime Minister Narendra Modi has resulted in a dramatic expansion, from a handful of players to nearly 400 space start-ups, many of which are now recognised globally. He said India is no longer limiting its space achievements to rocket launches alone, and has created global models for using space technologies in agriculture, healthcare, drinking water solutions and disaster management.
He said the same transformation is visible in the nuclear sector, where innovations are now directly benefiting citizens through cancer care networks, community water purification systems, and other applications. He said India’s nuclear and space success stories demonstrate how strategic technologies can profoundly improve ease of living.
Discussing India’s growing global stature, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that young Indians today enjoy far higher respect abroad than earlier generations. When an Indian professional introduces himself overseas, he said, his credibility in the job market immediately rises, a shift that he described as a “complete reversal” of the situation two decades ago. He said delegations from countries across regions have visited India in recent months to understand its grievance redressal systems, digital certification mechanisms for senior citizens and other public service innovations, which shows how India has become a creator of globally relevant best practices.
The Minister attributed much of the nation’s renewed confidence to the changing work culture brought in over the last decade. He said the government now functions with greater purpose, accountability and responsiveness, and schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Ujjwala Yojana represent a new spirit of inclusive democracy where benefits reach citizens without discrimination of caste, religion, or political preference. According to him, this shift has rebuilt trust between the citizen and the state.
The minister also said that India’s technological progress is inseparable from the democratisation of opportunity happening across the country. With digital connectivity and affordable information access, youth from small towns and rural districts now compete shoulder-to-shoulder with those from major cities. He said the changing profile of UPSC toppers, from districts such as Poonch, regions near the Punjab-Haryana belt, and other non-metropolitan areas, illustrates this transformation. He described this surge in aspiration from “Bharat” as one of India’s greatest strengths.
On the question of how India should measure its innovation progress, Dr Jitendra Singh said the real measure is sustainability. Ideas must translate into viable enterprises with strong industry and market linkages. He said innovation cannot remain confined to idealism; it must also offer dignity, financial security, and a sense of equality in society. He referred to the rise of profitable agri-start-ups, including lavender-based ventures, founded by professionals who left high-pressure corporate jobs to build enterprises that are both meaningful and economically successful.
Looking to the future, Dr. Jitendra Singh said India’s biggest strength is its talent, cutting across generations. He said space will be one of the areas where India will surprise the world, and predicted that an Indian would set foot on the Moon within the next 15 to 20 years. He said artificial intelligence will rapidly transform everyday life in India if handled responsibly and with maturity. His message to young innovators was straightforward: take risks, seek strong partnerships with industry, and make full use of the linkages and support that the government is offering.
As IISF continues in Panchkula, Dr Jitendra Singh said the purpose of such platforms is to inspire confidence, awaken curiosity and demonstrate India’s readiness to lead the global scientific community. He said India stands today in a far stronger, more respected position than at any point in its recent history, and that the coming decade will belong to those who combine scientific imagination with national purpose.