IIT Roorkee and DST join hands to bring gender parity in STEM

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee have come together to introduce gender equality in STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics) by means of Vigyan Jyoti plan. The inauguration ceremony of the plan took place on February 13, 2020. Sonam Wangchuk was the chief guest of the event who is the founder of SEMCOL. Professor Ajit K Chaturvedi was the guest of honour who is the director of IIT Roorkee.  

Prof Pranita P Sarangi was the coordinator from IIT Roorkee for Vigyan Jyoti programme and faculty advisor for NSS and NCC. The girls from Jawahar Novodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) and Kedriya Vidyalaya (KV) interacted with several female faculties, students from several departments and degree programmes at IIT Roorkee. They got information on higher education and career prospects in STEM. The DST has various women-oriented programmes under KIRAN section which offers several opportunities to lady scientists. Majority of the schemes are pertaining to research & development.

The DST is beginning Vigyan Jyoti - School Component to draw the attention of women into STEM field. It would be value-added in STEM education at the school level. The main aim of IIT Roorkee under the Vigyan Jyoti plan is to encourage girl students towards a career in STEM field. The motive behind this is to improve girls involvement in less known areas of STEM and ensure gender equality; to provide a supporting environment and add on in STEM education; to give exposure of various scientific careers and to counsel students as well as parents. 

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