Chandigarh: The Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Kavinder Gupta, today underscored that science is not merely an academic pursuit but the very cornerstone of a self-reliant, prosperous and developed India. He emphasised that true scientific temper lies in challenging assumptions and translating knowledge into solutions that touch the lives of ordinary citizens.
The Lt. Governor was addressing the National Science Day 2026 celebrations at the prestigious Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh. Paying rich tribute to Nobel Laureate Sir C.V. Raman on the 98th anniversary of the landmark discovery of the Raman Effect, Shri Kavinder Gupta said that Raman’s path-breaking discovery was not made with billion-dollar instruments but with a focused mind, a precise question and an unshakeable faith in science — a lesson equally relevant for today’s generation of researchers.
Speaking on the occasion themed “Women in Science: Catalyzing Viksit Bharat,” the Lt. Governor said that when women lead in science, the nation scales new heights of progress. He invoked the towering contributions of Dr. Asima Chatterjee in medicinal chemistry, Dr. Tessy Thomas in missile technology and the women scientists of ISRO whose collective brilliance scripted history with the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 at the Moon’s South Pole. “This was not merely a scientific triumph — it was a triumph of women power,” he said.
Shri Kavinder Gupta made a firm pledge from the podium that no talented daughter of Ladakh — irrespective of economic hardship, social pressure or lack of opportunity — would ever be denied a career in science. He urged the entire scientific community to mentor generously, create opportunities with an open heart and actively dismantle the invisible barriers that prevent women from realising their full potential. Expressing his deepest aspiration, he said, “I hope and pray that India’s next Nobel Prize is won by a woman scientist.”
Highlighting Ladakh’s extraordinary identity as a natural laboratory of global significance, the Lt. Governor said that with over 300 days of sunshine annually, pristine skies and a unique high-altitude ecosystem, Ladakh holds immense potential for astronomy, solar energy, glacier studies, water conservation and cold desert agriculture. He drew attention to the MACE Telescope at Hanle’s Indian Astronomical Observatory — Asia’s largest imaging telescope and a proud symbol of indigenous technology — and urged CSIR and all national scientific institutions to make Ladakh a primary hub for frontier research. “Solutions developed in Ladakh will serve not just India but mountain communities across the world,” he said.
The Lt. Governor also welcomed the MoU signed between CSIR-CSIO and Sindhu Central University as a landmark step towards joint research, skill development and capacity building in Ladakh. He also disclosed that discussions are underway for establishing an IIT Jammu satellite campus in Leh, which would open new doors of innovation and opportunity for local youth.
Commending the scientists and staff of CSIR-CSIO for their invaluable contributions to India’s defence, healthcare and agriculture sectors, Shri Kavinder Gupta invoked the legacy of Bharat Ratna Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, saying that the dream of a developed, scientifically empowered and self-reliant India that Dr. Kalam cherished will be fulfilled by India’s young scientists and women researchers. “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.
The Lt Governor visited the technology exhibition hall, where a wide range of indigenously developed technologies were showcased. He also toured the Centre for Nano Optics and Fabrication, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to advanced research in optoelectronics and nanofabrication. He visited the Indo-Swiss Training Centre, where he observed ongoing skill development and diploma programmes designed to provide hands-on technical training to students.
Prof. Shantanu Bhattacharya, Director, CSIR-CSIO, in his welcome address, highlighted the importance of National Science Day, commemorating the discovery of the Raman Effect, and emphasised the invaluable contributions of women scientists in India’s scientific and technological progress.
Shri Narinder Singh Jassal, Scientist F and Head, Business Development Group (BDG), delivered the vote of thanks, with special mention about Dr. Prashant Kumar, Scientist E, who played a key role in organising the event.
