Jammu, November 6: Dr. Jitendra, the Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), emphasized the need to shift the mindset that considers only government jobs as genuine employment. He highlighted the significant boost given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to startups, which are creating job opportunities for youth globally. Dr. Jitendra made these remarks during his address to the media after inaugurating the “Children Science Festival” organized by CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM).
Dr. Jitendra also underscored the importance of nurturing the talents of young individuals and praised the role of CSIR-IIIM as one of the oldest institutes that introduced the Mint and Aroma Mission on a global platform. Following the festival’s inauguration, Dr. Jitendra, who holds multiple ministerial positions, including Union Minister of State for Science & Technology and Vice President of CSIR, toured the exhibition stalls. He witnessed various science models created by students.
Students from schools in the Jammu region participated in the event and presented slogans related to themes such as health and wellness, water conservation, waste management, and “Save Mother Earth.”
Addressing the students, Dr. Jitendra explained how the Jigyasa program was inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a new India and the Scientific Social Responsibility (SSR) of the scientific community and institutions. Jigyasa is a student-scientist connect program implemented by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) in collaboration with Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS).
Dr. Jitendra commended CSIR-IIIM for organizing such outreach activities for students from schools and colleges. He stressed that these activities would enhance scientific aptitude and foster the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship among young minds. Dr. Jitendra also awarded prizes to the winners of various competitions held during the Children Science Festival.
He noted the launch of India’s first Virtual Science Lab for Children under the CSIR Jigyasa Program, facilitating a strong connection between students and scientists across the country. The primary objective of the Virtual Lab is to provide quality research exposure and innovative pedagogy for school students through an online interactive platform. Dr. Jitendra emphasized that this facility would greatly benefit students from Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodaya Vidyalayas, and government schools under various state boards, fostering an early interest in science.
The Children Science Festival witnessed participation from more than 350 students representing approximately 55 schools, including those under the government of J&K, Kendriya Vidyalayas, Navodya Vidyalayas, Army Public Schools, Bhartiya Vidya Mandir Schools, and others, from various districts in the Jammu region. Students from Seva Bharti, an NGO dedicated to providing free education and vocational training to economically disadvantaged children, showcased products developed under the “Waste to Wealth” theme.
