Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on 11 May announced the Brahmagupta Award to honour exceptional contributions in science, mathematics, innovation, and research, during the state-level National Technology Day celebrations held at Birla Auditorium in Jaipur. The award has been named after the renowned seventh-century mathematician and astronomer Brahmagupta of Bhinmal, Jalore — one of ancient India's most celebrated scientific minds.

Brahmagupta Award and Innovation Centre

Alongside the award, Chief Minister Sharma announced the establishment of an Innovation Centre for youth at Jaipur's coaching hub, designed to encourage start-ups, creativity, and technological entrepreneurship among students and young innovators across the state. The move signals the state government's intent to convert Jaipur's existing concentration of student talent into a structured innovation pipeline. Sharma urged youth to harness innovation and help transform Rajasthan into a global technology leader, contributing to the vision of a self-reliant India.

Key Announcements for Technology and Youth

The Chief Minister unveiled several additional initiatives at the event. A state-level Drone Cell will be established to support applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and modern technology in disaster management, agriculture, urban planning, and environmental protection. An AI-Machine Learning policy has also been introduced to ensure responsible and effective use of emerging technologies in the state.

To promote scientific learning at the grassroots level, 820 Science Clubs are being set up in schools — including Model and PM-SHRI institutions — alongside robotics laboratories in more than 500 schools. Sharma also called upon youth to take full advantage of existing state initiatives such as My Bharat, iStart, and the Chief Minister's Youth Self-Employment Scheme.

National Pride and Scientific Progress

Sharma underscored that 11 May is not merely a date but a symbol of self-confidence, self-reliance, and national pride, recalling India's 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests as a defining moment of scientific capability and national resolve. He cited India's achievements including vaccine development during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chandrayaan space missions, and advancements under the Make in India initiative — including the Tejas fighter aircraft, Arjun tanks, and Prachand helicopters — as evidence that India is no longer merely a consumer of technology but is rapidly becoming a creator and exporter of innovation.

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