Garhwal Post Bureau
Ranikhet, 29 Oct: A live session under the ‘She for STEM’ (Speak-Up Kalpana) initiative was organised at Government Post Graduate College, Ranikhet, in collaboration with the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST), Dehradun, and Vigyan Shaala Foundation. The event focused on the theme “Exploring Careers in Biotechnology and Life Sciences”. The programme was held under the guidance of Principal Prof Pushpesh Pandey and supervision of Prof PN Tewari from the Department of Commerce. Dr CS Pant, Co-Coordinator of the She for STEM (Kalpana) initiative, anchored the session and welcomed faculty members, students, and the guest speaker.
Addressing the gathering, Prof PN Tewari highlighted the potential of biotechnology and life sciences in creating entrepreneurial and research opportunities in rural Uttarakhand. He stressed that innovation in these fields could help harness local biodiversity, medicinal plants, and organic farming practices for sustainable development.
Dr Bharat Pandey, Coordinator of the She for STEM initiative and District Coordinator of UCOST (Almora), outlined the objectives of the programme. He expressed gratitude to Prof Durgesh Pant, Director General of UCOST, for his continued encouragement and acknowledged the contribution of the Vigyan Shaala Foundation in promoting science among students. Introducing the guest speaker, Dr Bharat said that Dr Anjali Pandey, a Plant Molecular Biologist and Principal Investigator under the MK Bhan Young Research Fellowship (DBT, New Delhi), represents a generation of scientists bridging research and innovation. Dr Anjali earned her PhD in Molecular Biology and Biotechnology from GB Pant University, Pantnagar, and pursued postdoctoral research in South Korea.
Delivering her talk on “Careers in Life Sciences”, Dr Anjali Pandey discussed emerging avenues in biotechnology, molecular research, and interdisciplinary sciences. She encouraged students to strengthen their research aptitude, think beyond conventional career paths, and utilise modern technologies such as nanoscience and plant-based innovation for global relevance.
An interactive question-and-answer session followed, during which students and research scholars sought guidance on research fellowships, laboratory careers, and biotechnology start-ups.
In his vote of thanks, Dr CS Pant expressed appreciation to the guest speaker for her insightful talk and thanked UCOST, Vigyan Shaala Foundation, and the college administration for their support. He remarked that “Even in small hill towns like Ranikhet, there are immense possibilities in biotechnology, organic farming, and medicinal plant research.” The programme concluded with enthusiastic participation from students and faculty members, reinforcing the growing scientific temperament and curiosity among youth in the Kumaon region.
