Jaipur, May 11 (IANS) On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma announced the Brahmagupta Award in Rajasthan to honour exceptional contributions in science, mathematics, innovation, and research.

The award has been named after the renowned seventh-century mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta of Bhinmal, Jalore.​

He also announced the establishment of an Innovation Centre for youth at Jaipur’s coaching hub to encourage start-ups, creativity, and technological entrepreneurship among students and young innovators in the state.​

Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma said that curiosity-driven individuals who overcome challenges ultimately achieve success.​

He called upon the youth to harness innovation and help transform Rajasthan into a global technology leader, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India.​

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to supporting young innovators and urged them to take full advantage of initiatives such as My Bharat, iStart, and the Chief Minister’s Youth Self-Employment Scheme.​

He said a strong ecosystem is being developed in the state through start-ups, skill development, research, and digital services.​

Sharma was addressing the state-level National Technology Day programme at the Birla Auditorium in Jaipur.​

He said May 11 is not just a date but a symbol of self-confidence, self-reliance, and national pride, recalling India’s 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as a defining moment of scientific capability and national resolve.​

The Chief Minister said India is no longer just a consumer of technology but is rapidly becoming a creator and exporter of innovation.​

He cited achievements such as vaccine development during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chandrayaan space missions, and advancements under the Make in India initiative, including the Tejas fighter aircraft, Arjun tanks, and Prachand helicopters.​

He also highlighted India’s growing progress in Artificial Intelligence and research-driven innovation, stating that the slogan “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan” is now becoming a reality.​

Sharma said Rajasthan is developing a strong identity in entrepreneurship and technology, driven by youth participation.​

He announced the establishment of a state-level Drone Cell to support applications of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, and modern technology in disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental protection.​

He added that an Artificial Intelligence-Machine Learning policy has been introduced to ensure responsible and effective use of emerging technologies.​

To promote scientific learning, 820 Science Clubs are being set up in schools, including Model and PM-SHRI institutions, as well as robotics laboratories in more than 500 schools.​

The Chief Minister said the fact that no examination paper leak occurred during his government’s tenure has strengthened youth confidence, while employment opportunities are being expanded through investments.​

The Chief Minister interacted with students, teachers, and young entrepreneurs through video conferencing and also visited an exhibition organised by the Department of Science and Technology, appreciating innovations displayed by various institutions.​

He administered an oath to the youth, encouraging them to dedicate themselves to nation-building through innovation and technology.​

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel said that youth have the potential to shape the future through innovation.​

He said the state government, under the leadership of the Chief Minister and guidance of PM Modi, is promoting good governance, e-governance, and innovation-driven development across sectors.

–IANS

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