Himalaya Harbinger, Uttarakhand Bureau
Ranikhet, Uttarakhand – Taking a confident stride toward scientific inclusion and educational equity, Government P.G. College, Ranikhet hosted a book distribution ceremony under the She for STEM – Kalpana Fellowship program on 1st September 2025. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between rural students and modern scientific opportunities, offering young women a guided path into the world of STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
The event was graced by the Principal of the college, Prof. Pushpesh Pandey, who handed over books and academic materials to selected students. In his address, he remarked, “When rural girls are given the right direction and encouragement, there’s no limit to what they can achieve. This fellowship opens the door to possibilities that were once out of reach.”
Dr. Bharat Pandey, Coordinator of the She for STEM initiative, and Dr. C.S. Pant, Co-Coordinator, elaborated on the program’s vision and structure. Dr. Pant spoke about how the fellowship helps students map their career paths, explore real-world scientific fields, and connect with global mentors. Dr. Pandey added, “This is more than just a book distribution—it’s a launchpad for transforming aspirations into achievements. We want these girls to see themselves not just as students, but as future scientists, innovators, and leaders.”
Several faculty members, including Dr. Brijesh Joshi, Dr. Dheeraj Khati, Dr. Nidhi Pandey, Dr. Parul Bhardwaj, Dr. Himani, Dr. Nidhi Sharma, and Dr. Garima, lent their support and encouraged students to embrace science with both curiosity and courage.
The Kalpana Fellowship is a national program run by VigyanShaala International, focused on nurturing leadership among women in science. It offers a comprehensive 12-week career incubator, a capstone research project, global scientist interactions, and practical sessions on resume building, SOP writing, and career planning. The entire program is offered free of cost and is valued at ₹35,000 per student.
Backed by prestigious institutions such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), AICTE, and NITI Aayog, the fellowship has already touched the lives of over 11,000 girl students across the country. Many alumni have gone on to pursue higher education and research at leading institutions in India and abroad.
For a remote and hilly region like Ranikhet, where access to advanced educational resources can often be limited, this program is more than a scholarship—it is a catalyst for change. Through She for STEM, the daughters of Ranikhet are no longer confined by geography. Instead, they are being equipped to dream globally and act confidently—taking their first bold steps into the world of science.
