CM Mohan Yadav stated that science has the power to unravel many mysteries of nature. Today, the application of science and technology is bringing significant transformations across various fields—from farming to finance, manufacturing to medicine, and education to communication. Over the past decade, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, India has made rapid progress in the field of science and technology, infusing new energy and strength into the nation. As a result of the visionary policies of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat,’ India is advancing continuously in the defense and space sectors, emerging as a global leader in these fields.
The Madhya Pradesh government will soon formulate a space policy. Additionally, discussions have begun regarding the establishment of an ISRO center in the state. Recently, during the Global Investors Summit (GIS), the state took a significant step by initiating the implementation of four policies focused on the use of science and technology.
CM Mohan Yadav made these remarks while virtually inaugurating the National Scientific Conference/Science Festival and the 40th Madhya Pradesh Young Scientists Conference from Samatva Bhavan (The Chief Minister’s residence) on Thursday. The conference is being held at the Kalidas Academy campus in Ujjain. Minister of State for Skill Development & Employment (Independent Charge), Shri Gautam Tetwal, also participated virtually.
Making Madhya Pradesh a Hub for Technology & Innovation
Dr. Yadav emphasized that the use of science will be expanded in various sectors across Madhya Pradesh to make the state a hub for technology and innovation. He congratulated ISRO for the historic launch of the Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX) satellite and stated that discussions will be held to develop an ISRO-like center in Madhya Pradesh with the support of the scientific community and technology institutions.
Currently, South India serves as the primary hub for space-related activities, whereas North and Central India lack such centers. Dr. Yadav highlighted that science is also being increasingly utilized in the medical field and other sectors in Madhya Pradesh, particularly in agriculture, where drones are being used extensively. The state has initiated drone-based mapping in the revenue sector, and a pilot project for urban land surveys has started in Raisen at the national level. This initiative is now expanding to other cities to create digital maps of lands, plots, and settlements, making property ownership records more manageable.
Ujjain: The Center of Time Calculation, Advancing Science & Technology through Four New Policies
CM Mohan Yadav noted that India’s Sanatan culture is also based on science. Many auspicious activities begin with the worship of the Navagrahas (nine planets). With the arrival of Vikram Samvat 2082, he highlighted the historical, artistic, cultural, and spiritual significance of Ujjain, recognizing it as a center of time calculation since the era of Samrat Vikramaditya. Research on this aspect is continuously ongoing.
He welcomed innovation while preserving traditional knowledge and emphasized the relevance of the theme of the Young Scientists Conference and National Scientific Conference, which is “Development through Science, Technology, and Innovation Together.” The conference features various sessions based on ancient Indian scientific traditions, with around 300 researchers and young scientists presenting papers on 17 subjects.
CM Mohan Yadav also mentioned the key policies Madhya Pradesh, i.e Drone Promotion and Industry Policy-2025, Madhya Pradesh Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics & Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) Policy-2025, Madhya Pradesh Semiconductor Policy-2025, and Madhya Pradesh Global Capability Center (GCC) Policy-2025 announced at the recent Global Investors Summit (GIS). A suggestion to formulate a Space Policy was proposed at the scientific conference, and accordingly, Madhya Pradesh will develop its own Space Policy. Dr. Yadav congratulated all participants for their contributions to the conference.
National Experts Commend Madhya Pradesh’s Efforts in Science & Technology
Dr. Prakash Chauhan, Director of the National Remote Sensing Center, Hyderabad, praised CM Mohan Yadav scientific mindset and noted that, as India progresses in defense production, space, and biotechnology, Madhya Pradesh is also making efforts in these areas. He lauded Prime Minister Modi for introducing the Space Policy-2023 and acknowledged Dr. Yadav as one of the few Chief Ministers actively encouraging innovation in this sector.
A collaboration with MAPCOST will soon be established to provide skill training for youth. Furthermore, projects such as the Agricultural Insurance Scheme are now being implemented through space technology.
Dr. Anil Kothari, Director General of the Council of Science & Technology, announced plans to organize similar scientific conferences in different locations across the state. Other dignitaries present at the event included Vice-Chancellor of Devi Ahilya University, Shri Rakesh Singhai, Director of Vikramaditya Research Peeth & CM’s Cultural Advisor, Shri Shriram Tiwari, Vice-Chancellor of Vikram University, Prof. Arpan Bhardwaj, National General Secretary of Vijnana Bharati, Shri Vivekananda Pai, Senior Scientist, DRDO, Ministry of Defense, Shri Sudhir Mishra, Director General, IISER Bhopal, Prof. Govardhan Das, Director, National Innovation Foundation, Dr. Arvind Ranade, Professor, Center for Creative Learning, IIT Gandhinagar, and Prof. Manish Jain.
From Samatva Bhavan, Shri Ashok Kadel (Director, Madhya Pradesh Hindi Granth Academy) and Shri Sanjay Dubey (Additional Chief Secretary, IT Department) were also present at the session.