Dr Jitendra inaugurates ‘Youth Innovation Hub’ in Rajasthan’s Dholpur district

DHOLPUR: In a bid to bridge the gap between science and society, Union Minister of Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh on tuesday inaugurated the “Science Centre” in the Aspirational District of Dholpur in Rajasthan, positioning it as a “Youth Innovation Hub” in the region.

The Minister also highlighted how PM Narendra Modi had transformed the “Backward District” narrative to “Aspirational District”.

Addressing a large gathering of students, teachers, and local officials, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the Centre, developed by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) in partnership with the National Institute of Immunology (NII) and the National Science Centre, is part of a broader national initiative to establish science museums in aspirational districts across India.

“This is not merely an infrastructure project. It is a mission to inspire scientific thinking and to empower the children of Dholpur to dream big-whether it’s solving a local problem or reaching for the stars,” Dr. Jitendra Singh said.

The Dholpur Science Centre, located in one of India’s aspirational districts, is designed to provide hands-on science experiences through interactive exhibits, STEM-based learning modules, and a platform for young minds to explore innovation and local entrepreneurship. According to officials, the Centre embodies the government’s ‘Vigyan Setu’ concept-a bridge connecting scientific institutions with under-served regions.

Dr. Jitendra Singh underscored the DBT’s BioE3 vision-Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment-which aims to use biotechnology as a tool for rural empowerment and sustainable growth. He noted that the same spirit runs through the Centre in Dholpur, which will also facilitate capacity building for potential startups emerging from smaller towns.

Recounting India’s recent scientific achievements, including astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in the Axiom Mission-4 to the International Space Station, the Minister said such milestones are a reminder to young Indians that “science can take you anywhere-from your village to outer space.”

In a candid and often humorous address that struck a chord with the young audience, Dr. Jitendra Singh recalled how children’s curiosity and confidence had evolved over the years. “Gone are the days when students hesitated to approach seniors. Today, they are confidently explaining exhibits to ministers and experts. That’s the shift we need to nurture,” he said.

The Minister also highlighted how PM Narendra Modi had transformed the “backward district” narrative into “aspirational district”, a vision initiated during the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. “No district is truly backward,” he noted. “It’s all about providing the right benchmarks and support. And as we’ve seen, many of these districts have now outperformed others due to this model.”

Touching on the upcoming century of India’s independence in 2047, Dr. Jitendra Singh said the responsibility lies with today’s educators and policymakers to prepare children to lead that milestone moment. “The children sitting in the back rows today may be the future collectors, scientists, and innovators who will hoist the national flag in 2047,” he said.

The Minister also called for a shift in mindset, both among students and policymakers, towards science-driven progress. Highlighting the potential of tier-2 and tier-3 cities in driving India’s innovation ecosystem, he cited that over 60% of startups are now emerging from such regions, including towns like Dholpur.

He urged educational institutions and policymakers to integrate flexibility in science education, drawing attention to the National Education Policy which now allows students to change subjects based on aptitude and interest. “We must remove barriers that prevent students from pursuing what they are truly passionate about,” he added.

Officials from DBT, the Rajasthan government, and scientific institutions were present at the event, which also featured live demonstrations and science-based models created by school students. The Minister praised the efforts of students who explained complex scientific concepts with confidence and clarity.

The Centre, which is expected to host a variety of science-based activities in the coming months, will also promote community outreach and awareness programs in partnership with local schools.

The inauguration of the Dholpur Science Centre aligns with the Government of India’s push to democratize access to scientific resources and promote a culture of inquiry and innovation across all regions, particularly those historically underserved.

As Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded, “This is your Science Centre. Own it, explore it, and let it shape your dreams.”