Hyderabad, India — December 17, 2024: Center for Research Excellence in Semiconductor Technology (CREST) at BITS Pilani Hyderabad Campus hosted students and faculty from Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya, Gwalior (SKV – India’s No 1 Girls Boarding School). The 4 day transformative visit underscored the critical importance of promoting women’s education in STEM, an area where their contributions can drive innovation and societal progress.
The initiative provided SKV students with first-hand exposure to state-of-the-art research facilities showcasing advancements in emerging technologies. The facilities visited included the Nanofabrication Clean Room, IoT Laboratory, Robotics Laboratory, Institute’s Innovation Council (IIC), Technology Business Incubator (TBI), Central Analytical Lab, MEMS, Microfluidics and Nanoelectronics (MMNE) Lab, Electronic Materials and Devices (EMD) Lab, and Printed Electronics Lab.
On the first day, during inaugural, recognizing the transformative power of education, Prof. P. Yogeeswari, Dean (Administration), extended a warm welcome to the visiting delegation, reiterating BITS Pilani’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and innovation. Adding to the sentiments, Prof. M. Rama Manohara Babu (former Director, Advanced Systems Laboratory (ASL), DRDO) and Head of CRENS), emphasized the critical need to empower young women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. “We must ensure that women have equal opportunities to contribute to and lead in scientific and technological advancements,” he said. “Their perspectives and ideas are essential for addressing global challenges and fostering inclusive growth.”
The valedictory session featured motivational talks by renowned women leaders whose achievements highlighted the limitless possibilities for women in STEM. Motivational talks were delivered by dignitaries such as Dr Sheena Rani, Outstanding Scientist, Programme Director — AGNI, and Associate Director of the Advanced Systems Laboratory, DRDO, Dr Mamta Kaushik, Principal of the Army College of Dental Sciences and Ms. Annie Vijaya, Director, WE ENABLE, WE HUB.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Soumyo Mukherji, Director of BITS Pilani, Hyderabad Campus remarked, “At BITS Pilani, we believe in the transformative power of education to break barriers and inspire change. Hosting the bright young minds from Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya is a step forward in our mission to empower women in STEM fields, enabling them to become leaders and innovators of tomorrow.”
The visit was orchestrated under the leadership of Prof. Sanket Goel (Dean, Research and Innovation, and Head of CREST) and supported by his dedicated team of Ph.D. and postdoctoral researchers from the MMNE Lab, alongside Dr. Praloy Mondal, Program Manager of CREST. Their collective efforts ensured a well-rounded, enriching experience for the participants.
The visiting faculty, Ms. Geetanjali Rajput and Ms. Urvashi Pandey, from Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya expressed heartfelt gratitude for the enriching experience, emphasizing the value of exposing young women to cutting-edge research and innovation environments. “This visit has opened new horizons for our students and has inspired them to pursue ambitious goals in science and technology,” said one of the faculty members. Students were equally enthusiastic about the visit. Rishika Singhania shared, “Exploring the advanced laboratories and interacting with researchers has been a transformative experience. It has motivated me to dive deeper into the world of innovation.” Sanjukta Chakraborty added, “The visit has broadened my perspective on what’s possible in science and technology. I feel more confident about pursuing a career in STEM fields.”
This academic exchange reaffirmed BITS Pilani’s unwavering dedication to advancing STEM education and empowering women to become trailblazers in science, technology, innovation and cultural & social exchange. During this brief internship, the students and faculty also visited the key tourist spots in Hyderabad and enjoyed the well-appreciated Hyderabad cuisine. By fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a passion for discovery, initiatives like these pave the way for a future where women’s contributions to science and technology drive transformative progress.