Dhanbad: In a significant move to promote STEM education among young women, 61 girl students from Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) Dhanbad visited the Indian Institute of Technology (Indian School of Mines) Dhanbad IIT-ISM on Tuesday.
The visit was organized under the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
The delegation, comprising 31 students from Class X and 30 from Class XII, explored the state-of-the-art laboratories at IIT (ISM) and engaged in discussions with faculty members and research scholars. The event aimed to highlight the career opportunities and benefits associated with pursuing STEM fields.
This visit marks the second initiative of its kind under the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme, led by Prof. Madhulika Gupta, the Nodal Officer for the program at IIT (ISM). The day’s activities commenced with an introductory session at the Golden Jubilee Lecture Theatre (GJLT), where Professor Gupta emphasized the importance of girls’ education and the specific advantages of pursuing STEM education.
In her welcome address, Professor Gupta pointed out that although over 30% of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) graduates in India are women, only 14% of professionals in these fields are women. She stressed the need for a focused effort to promote gender equality and enhance diversity in STEM fields through initiatives like the Vigyan Jyoti Program.
Professor Sukha Ranjan Samadder, Associate Dean (Research & Development) at IIT (ISM), delivered the keynote address. Professor Samadder highlighted that careers in STEM offer better job prospects and emphasized the positive impact they can have on community and national development.
