Chandigarh: Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Kavinder Gupta on Friday said science is the cornerstone of a self-reliant and developed India, asserting that “true scientific temper lies in challenging assumptions and transforming knowledge into solutions that serve the common citizen.”
Addressing National Science Day 2026 celebrations at CSIR-Central Scientific Instruments Organisation in Chandigarh, the LG paid tribute to Nobel Laureate C. V. Raman on the anniversary of the discovery of the Raman Effect, calling it a reminder that path-breaking science begins with curiosity and conviction.
Speaking on the theme “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat,” Gupta stressed stronger women leadership in research and innovation. Citing pioneers like Asima Chatterjee and Tessy Thomas, and lauding women scientists behind Chandrayaan-3, he said women-led science would drive India’s next growth leap. “I hope India’s next Nobel laureate is a woman scientist,” he remarked, pledging that no daughter of Ladakh would be denied a scientific career.
Highlighting Ladakh’s potential as a “natural laboratory,” he urged national institutions to transform the region into a frontier research hub, pointing to the MACE Telescope at Hanle and opportunities in solar energy, glacier studies and cold desert agriculture.
The LG welcomed an MoU between CSIR-CSIO and Sindhu Central University, and revealed discussions on establishing an Indian Institute of Technology Jammu satellite campus in Leh.
Invoking A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, he called on young scientists to carry forward the dream of a scientifically empowered Viksit Bharat.
