Dholpur, Rajasthan | July 8, 2025 - In a landmark step towards making science accessible and inclusive, the Dholpur Science Centre was formally inaugurated today by the Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister of State, Government of Rajasthan, Shri Jawahar Singh Bedam, and Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale, Secretary, Department of Biotechnology.
Developed by the BRIC–National Institute of Immunology (NII) and supported by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India, the Science Centre marks a major milestone in India's mission to foster scientific temper and grassroots innovation. It is another brick in the vision of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to establish science centres in aspirational districts across the country.
Situated in Dholpur, one of the aspirational districts of Rajasthan, the Science Centre is designed to serve as a vibrant platform for STEM education, community learning, and public engagement in science. It features a range of interactive exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on models that enable students, teachers, and community members to experience science as a practical, problem-solving tool.
“Science belongs to the last mile. No part of the country should feel left out of the scientific journey of India,” said Hon’ble Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh. “A child from Dholpur should feel the same excitement and opportunity in science as a child in any metro city. Science can take you from your village to space.”
The Dholpur Science Centre has been developed in collaboration with the National Science Centre, New Delhi, and aligns with NII’s broader Vigyan Setu (Science Setu) initiative, which aims to bridge the gap between research institutions and educational institutions through outreach activities such as school visits, lab immersions, and scientist–teacher interactions. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officials from the National Council of Science Museums and the District Administration, as well as scientists, educators, and students from the region.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Rajesh S. Gokhale remarked, “The Department of Biotechnology is striving to implement biotechnology as a tool for solving real-world problems and shaping a better future. By exposing young minds to innovation and problem-solving, we hope to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs who will lead India’s bioeconomy from the grassroots.” He further emphasized, “The Dholpur Science Centre must be developed as a catalyst for nurturing young scientists from the region, empowering them to contribute meaningfully to India’s scientific and technological advancement.”
Shri Jawahar Singh Bedam praised the collaborative effort and reaffirmed the State Government’s commitment to education, innovation, and rural development,“In a world driven by science and technology, it is critical that every district in Rajasthan—from urban hubs to rural heartlands—has equal access to quality scientific learning. The Dholpur Science Centre is a beacon of that commitment,” he said.
The Centre is envisioned as a community resource—not only for school children, but also for teachers, youth, and local residents—aimed at spreading scientific awareness in critical areas such as agriculture, health, water conservation, and climate resilience. Dr. Debasisa Mohanty, Director of BRIC–National Institute of Immunology, stated, “Our mission through the Dholpur Science Centre is to democratize access to science—making it interactive, inclusive, and inspiring for every student, especially in regions brimming with potential like Dholpur.”