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Durgesh Pant
File:Ced0214c-2fd4-4d8e-b932-4a84a69e33ee.png
Prof. Durgesh Pant
Born
Uttarakhand, India
NationalityIndian
Alma materKumaun University, Birla Institute of Technology Mesra, Indira Gandhi National Open University
Known forMobile Science Labs, Science City Dehradun, AI and STEM Labs in Uttarakhand, Disaster Management Initiatives
AwardsASEAN Award (2024), Uttarakhand Ratna Shree (2022), Rotary Club Nation Builder Award (2024)
Scientific career
FieldsComputer Science, Science Administration
InstitutionsUttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST)

Durgesh Pant is an Indian computer scientist, educator, and science administrator. He is currently serving as the Director General of the Uttarakhand State Council for Science and Technology (UCOST). He is known for promoting grassroots innovation, disaster resilience, and mobile science education in remote areas of Uttarakhand.[1]

Early Life and Education

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Prof. Pant was born in Uttarakhand, India. He completed his Bachelor of Science from Kumaun University, followed by a Master of Computer Applications and PhD from Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra. .[2]

Career

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Academic Roles

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Pant established the Department of Computer Science at Kumaun University in 1989.[3] He later contributed to the founding of the Uttarakhand Open University, where he serves as a Professor in the School of Computer Science and Information Technology.[4]

Government Positions

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Since July 2022, Pant has been serving as the Director General of UCOST.[5] He has also held leadership positions at the Uttarakhand Space Application Centre and the Uttarakhand Science Education and Research Centre.[6] [7]

Major Contributions

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Pant’s work focuses on integrating science, technology, and sustainable development in the Himalayan region. His key initiatives include:

  • Establishing Mobile Science Labs (Lab on Wheels) to deliver practical science education to remote schools.[8]
  • Leading the development of the Science City in Dehradun, India’s fifth Science City.[9]
  • Setting up STEM Jigyasha Kaksha in schools across Uttarakhand to promote experiential learning.[10]
  • Developing the Adarsh Champawat Geospatial Dashboard in collaboration with ISRO and IIRS.[11]
  • Border district development and Science Popularization initiatives, Strengthening governance in Border region.[12]
  • Launched She for STEM to enhance women’s participation in STEM fields.[13]
  • Chairman of the Scientific and Technical Committee for the World Congress on Disaster Management, held at Dehradun on 28th November 2023. Composed the ‘Dehradun Declaration’ with inputs from the global community of experts who spoke at the event.[14] [15]
  • Conceptualizing the World Summit on Disaster Management (WSDM) to be hosted in Dehradun in 2025.[16]

Research and Publications

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Pant’s research interests include artificial intelligence, geo-informatics, cybersecurity, and e-governance for challenging geographies.[17] [18] He has authored several books, including:

  • Cloud & Code: A Comprehensive Guide to Python Web Development and Cloud Integration (2025)
  • The Triumph of Silkyara (2024)
  • Bodhisattva: Dialogue Series (2024)
  • Internet of Things (2018)

He holds patents related to IoT-based water quality assessment, soil monitoring devices, and food adulteration detection.

Awards and Honours

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  • ASEAN Award (2024)
  • Rotary Club Nation Builder Award (2024)
  • Uttarakhand Sewa Samman – Socially Responsible Scientist Award (2023)
  • Uttarakhand Ratna Shree (2022)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award in Digital Education and Technology Innovation
  • E-Governance Excellence Award

See Also

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References

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  1. ^ "Prof Durgesh Pant | Uttarakhand Open University".
  2. ^ https://ucost.uk.gov.in/
  3. ^ Insert reliable source here
  4. ^ "Prof Durgesh Pant | Uttarakhand Open University".
  5. ^ "Prof Durgesh Pant is appointed Director General of UCOST | Garhwal Post". 29 July 2022.
  6. ^ https://himwantpradeshnews.com/professor-durgesh-pant-took-over-the-charge-of-director-usac/https://www.facebook.com/usercindia/videos/prof-durgesh-pant-director-userc-address-to-players/702712769938704/
  7. ^ https://www.facebook.com/usercindia/videos/prof-durgesh-pant-director-userc-address-to-players/702712769938704/
  8. ^ "Lab on Wheels flagged off by CM Dhami initially for 4 Districts in Uttarakhand | Garhwal Post". 8 July 2024.
  9. ^ "Dehradun emerging as nation's 5th Science City: CM Dhami | Garhwal Post". 3 March 2025.
  10. ^ https://ucost.uk.gov.in/science-technology-engineering-mathematics-stem-innovation-corners
  11. ^ https://maps.iirs.gov.in/champawat/
  12. ^ "चंपावत में उत्तराखंड के पहले बाल विज्ञान महोत्सव का शुभारंभ, CM बाेले- पूरे राज्य के लिए मॉडल बनेगा यह महोत्सव - CM inaugurated Uttarakhand first Children Science Festival in Champawat".
  13. ^ "New direction for women's participation in science and technology | Garhwal Post". 11 August 2024.
  14. ^ "6th WCDM Committee | World Congress Disaster Management Committee".
  15. ^ "The Dehradun Declaration was signed and drafted during the 6th WCDM". YouTube. 8 May 2024.
  16. ^ "WSDM pre-summit gets started under aegis of UCOST at Bengaluru | Garhwal Post". 25 May 2025.
  17. ^ "THE TRIUMPH OF SILKYARA | Garhwal Post". May 2025.
  18. ^ https://ucost.uk.gov.in/
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