Vigyan Jyoti Programme during June 4 – 24, 2018 at IIT Bhubaneswar

Vigyan Jyoti is an initiative of DST, Govt. of India aimed at inspiring girl students to pursue higher education in the field of Science and Technology.

 Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bhubaneswar is organizing this program for Odisha region under the aegis of DST, Govt. of India during June 04-24, 2018. The event was inaugurated on June 4, 2018 in the campus of the Institute at Arugul by Prof. Gitanjali Batmanabane, Director, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Prof R.V Raja Kumar, Director, IIT Bhubaneswar, the Chief Patron presided over the function.

 The Director, Prof. R. V. Raja Kumar, welcomed all the young girl participants for their choice to pursue science and technology as part of their career. Speaking on the occasion, the Director thanked Department of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India for initiating such an inspiring program with a pious objective of encouraging girl students across the country, which carries enormous value in preparing our next generation to be tomorrow’s leaders. The initiative would help the students not only to empower them with good knowledge but also to interact with academic leaders across the country and to get inspired to pursue a brighter careers in science and technology. He also called upon students to participate whole heartedly and gather actual knowledge than only securing marks in the examination and utilize this program for their overall development.

 The Chief Guest Prof. Gitanjali Batmanabane called upon students and urge them to dedicate their mind to the process of learning and encouraged them to pursue their career as a passion. Hard work and passionate learning can make them through their dreams. Todays’ world is witnessing a blend between scientists, engineers and doctors. Integrated knowledge between both the communities will enrich the spectrum of knowledge.

 Prof. V. R. Pedireddi, Nodal Officer welcomed all the participants and shared the vision of DST in this initiative and its implementation through Centrally Funded Institutes of MHRD.  Dr. Sasmita Barik, Coordinator welcomed and introduced the guests to the audience. Dr. Seema Bahinipati, Coordinator delivered vote of thanks.

 Thirty girl students of Class XI (Science stream) across the state of Odisha covering the places like Sambalpur, Sundargarh, Jajpur, Balasore, Keonjhar, Jagatsinghpur, Puri, Malkangiri, Bolangir, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada etc. were selected and are attending the program. In addition, IIT Bhubaneswar made a special provision for five Class XI (Science stream) girl students from its six adopted villages of the institute under Unnat Bharat Abhiyan Program to participate on supernumerary basis. All the students are being provided full support (travel, boarding, and lodging) to attend the program. Moreover, a scholarship of Rs. 5000/- will be given to the participants after the completion of the program. Prominent female scientists, faculties, entrepreneurs and administrators have been invited to deliver lectures and conduct interactive sessions with the students to motivate them to pursue their career in science and technology.

The three-week long program that will follow, is expected to ensure easy access to scientific and technological information for the participants. The schedule also includes trips to planetariums, science labs, research centers and places of historical interest. Knowledge will be imparted to the students through screening of inspirational movies and documentaries on interesting science topics and biographies of famous female achievers to enrich the student-participants by providing them with ample exposure to numerous avenues in the field of scientific and technology.