CHANDIGARH: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Kavinder Gupta, today emphasized that science is not merely an academic pursuit but the cornerstone of a self-reliant, prosperous, and developed India. Addressing the National Science Day 2026 celebrations at the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh, he stressed that a true scientific temper involves challenging assumptions and translating knowledge into solutions that benefit ordinary citizens.
Paying tribute to Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman on the 98th anniversary of the discovery of the Raman Effect, Gupta highlighted that the groundbreaking discovery was made not with billion-dollar instruments but with focus, precision, and unwavering faith in science — a lesson for today’s researchers.
Speaking on this year’s theme, “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat,” the Lt. Governor said that women scientists drive national progress. He cited luminaries such as Dr. Asima Chatterjee in medicinal chemistry, Dr. Tessy Thomas in missile technology, and the women scientists of ISRO, whose work led to the historic Chandrayaan-3 landing at the Moon’s South Pole. “This was not merely a scientific triumph — it was a triumph of women power,” he said.
Gupta pledged that no talented daughter of Ladakh will be denied a career in science due to economic hardship, social pressure, or lack of opportunity. He urged the scientific community to mentor, create opportunities, and dismantle barriers preventing women from realizing their full potential, expressing hope that India’s next Nobel Prize will be awarded to a woman scientist.
Highlighting Ladakh’s unique environment as a natural laboratory, he pointed to its 300+ days of sunshine, pristine skies, high-altitude ecosystem, and potential in astronomy, solar energy, glacier studies, water conservation, and cold desert agriculture. He drew attention to the MACE Telescope at Hanle — Asia’s largest imaging telescope — and called for Ladakh to become a hub for frontier research.
Gupta also welcomed the MoU between CSIR-CSIO and Sindhu Central University for joint research, skill development, and capacity building in Ladakh. He disclosed ongoing discussions for establishing a satellite IIT Jammu campus in Leh, which would open new avenues of innovation for local youth.
Commending CSIR-CSIO scientists for contributions to defense, healthcare, and agriculture, the Lt. Governor invoked the legacy of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, urging young scientists and women researchers to fulfill his vision of a scientifically empowered India. “Let science illuminate the path and let women lead the way — together we will build the Viksit Bharat that 140 crore Indians deserve,” he concluded.
During his visit, the Lt. Governor toured the technology exhibition hall, the Centre for Nano Optics and Fabrication, and the Indo-Swiss Training Centre, observing indigenously developed technologies and skill development programs.
Prof. Shantanu Bhattacharya, Director of CSIR-CSIO, highlighted the significance of National Science Day and the contributions of women scientists in India’s progress. Narinder Singh Jassal, Scientist F and Head of the Business Development Group, delivered the vote of thanks, acknowledging Dr. Prashant Kumar for his key role in organizing the event.
