UCOST recently organized First State Science and Technology Youth Festival during 28 February- 2 March, 2008 at Dehradun with the theme of “Conservation of Mountain Eco-System under Planet Earth Programme”.

 As such the aims and objectives of organizing State Level Science and Technology Youth Festival were:

1. Identification of persons/ teachers having science background at block level.

2. Exposure of participants in a variety of science education programmes.

3. Arousal of interest in science and technology among youth/ students of the state.

4. To promote science and technology exchanges and interactions among young delegates and experts.

5. To facilitate the mutual development of science and technology in the Garhwal and Kumaun Regions of state.

The following activities were organized during the state Science & Technology Youth Festival:

1. Science and Technology Training Programmes.

2. Science & Technology Workshops.

3. Popular Science Lectures.

4. Disaster Management and HAM Radio Training Programmes.

5. Water, Environment, Bio-diversity Conservation and Solid Waste Management Programmes.

6. Essay, quiz, lecture and painting competitions on Science & Technology themes.

7. Visit of Museums and Laboratories.

The Chief Guest of the inauguration function was S&T Minister of State Cabinet Dr. Ramesh Pokhariyal ‘Nishank' along with other special Guests as Dr. R.K. Mishra, Regional Director, Commonwealth Youth Programme, Asia Center Chandigarh; Dr. R.C. Srivastava, Scientific Advisor to Prime Minister scientific advisory committees secretariats, Ministry of Science and Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi; Shri Rajendra Singh, International Magssesse Awardee, Tarun Bharat Sangh, Jaipur. During valedictory function Padambhushan Shri Chandi Prasad Bhatt graced the occasion as Chief Guest. Other dignitaries present included Shri B.R. Arora, Director, Wadia Institute, Dehradun and Dr. C.S. Meena, Joint Secretary, UGC, New Delhi.

The more than 150 delegates youth from all the districts of state as well as 140 students from venue city Dehradun took active part in various scheduled programme.

The Science & Technology youth festival has been instrumental in demonstrating and giving training of various science and technology components, create scientific awareness about recent issues and make youth realize that how simple technologies can be helpful not only improving environment but also as a way of employment and enhancement of income of villagers.