In a significant move to strengthen India’s scientific and technological landscape, the Cabinet, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s cabinet has approved the ambitious scheme Vigyan Dhara. This comprehensive initiative is designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and research excellence, particularly in areas of societal importance. Union Minister Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw has outlined the scheme’s five key pillars, ensuring a holistic approach to scientific development and global collaboration.
- Internships and Fellowships Across Academic Levels
The scheme provides internships for Class 11 and 12 students and fellowships for undergraduate, postgraduate, Ph.D., and post-doctoral researchers. This pillar aims to nurture young minds from the early stages of their academic journey, encouraging them to pursue careers in science and research. By providing financial support and hands-on experience, ‘Vigyan Dhara’ aims to create a robust pipeline of future scientists and innovators. - International Collaboration in Cutting-Edge Research
Recognizing the importance of global partnerships, the scheme emphasizes international collaboration in cutting-edge research. By partnering with leading institutions and researchers worldwide, India aims to stay at the forefront of technological advancements and scientific breakthroughs. This collaboration will not only bring in fresh perspectives but also ensure that Indian researchers contribute to and benefit from global knowledge networks. - Joint Research Projects and Fellowships
The third pillar of the scheme is the promotion of joint research projects and joint fellowships. This initiative encourages collaborative research efforts between Indian and international scholars, fostering a culture of shared knowledge and expertise. By working together, researchers can tackle complex problems more effectively and contribute to significant advancements in their respective fields. - Focus on Societal Challenges Like Climate Change
‘Vigyan Dhara’ places a strong emphasis on addressing issues that have a direct impact on society, particularly climate change. By prioritizing research in areas that affect daily life and the environment, the scheme ensures that scientific efforts are aligned with the needs of the community. This pillar underscores the government’s commitment to using science and technology to find solutions to some of the most pressing challenges of our time. - Product Development in Clean Energy and More
Finally, the scheme is dedicated to product development in critical areas such as clean energy. By encouraging innovation in sustainable technologies, ‘Vigyan Dhara’ aims to drive the development of products that not only enhance quality of life but also contribute to a greener, more sustainable future. This focus on practical applications of research ensures that scientific advancements translate into real-world benefits.
Union Minister Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw has highlighted how this scheme, driven by Prime Minister Shri. Narendra Modi’s vision, is set to revolutionize India’s approach to science and technology, making it a global leader in innovation and research.