Dehradun – Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami flagged off nine new mobile science labs under the second phase of the Lab on Wheels – Mobile Science Lab project, a transformative initiative aimed at promoting science education among students in government schools across Uttarakhand. The inauguration took place on Tuesday at the Chief Minister’s camp office, where he also interacted with and observed the science models showcased in the mobile labs.
Building on the success of the first phase, which was launched last year in the districts of Champawat, Almora, Dehradun, and Pauri, this second phase extends the initiative to the remaining nine districts of the state—Uttarkashi, Tehri, Chamoli, Rudraprayag, Haridwar, Udham Singh Nagar, Nainital, Bageshwar, and Pithoragarh.
Speaking on the occasion, UCOST Director General Prof. Durgesh Pant highlighted the project’s impact on science education in rural and remote areas. “The first phase yielded excellent results, inspiring us to expand this innovative initiative across all districts. Through the Lab on Wheels project, the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST) aims to popularize science and foster scientific curiosity among students,” he said.
The mobile labs offer hands-on learning experiences to students from classes VI to X, enabling them to better understand subjects such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics through practical demonstrations, working models, and engaging science activities.
The event also witnessed the presence of Science and Technology Secretary Nitesh Jha, Science City Advisor G.S. Rautela, UCOST Joint Director Dr. D.P. Uniyal, and Project Coordinator E. Jitendra Kumar. Representatives from Agastya International Foundation, the partner organization supporting the initiative, including Amit Pokhriyal, Vikas Nautiyal, Puneet Singh, Amit Kumar, Ashok Singh, and Yogesh, were also in attendance.
Teachers and students from various government schools joined the event, making the launch a truly inclusive celebration of science and learning. Educators such as Ram Aashray Chauhan, Nidhi, Shivani Kohli, Seema Bhandari, Abhay Sharma, Suman Gupta and Anita Negi played a key role in encouraging student participation.
The Lab on Wheels initiative marks a significant step toward inclusive and experiential science education in Uttarakhand, empowering young minds with knowledge and curiosity across all corners of the state.
