Berhampur: Around 250 students from schools and colleges participated in a science event organised by NIST University at Berhampur in Odisha’s Ganjam district on the occasion of National Science Day on Saturday.
The Electronics Hobby Club, Robotics Club, and Renewable Energy Club showcased their works to the participants. The participants had the opportunity to explore high-tech labs, including AR/VR and 3D printing etc.
A grand quiz competition was also held during the event, with Rudra Narayan Jena from Saraswati Degree Vidyamandir, Sibram Polai from Binayak Acharya College and Sarada Pradhan from Khallikote Unitary University securing the first, second and third positions respectively. The winners were presented cash prize along with certificates.
Speaking at the event, Dr Anil Mohapatra, Scientist-E of the Zoological Survey of India, spoke on the endangered species along Odisha coast, emphasised the significance of conserving these species and delved into rules and regulations governing wildlife conservation.
Dr Vyas Akondi, Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Sciences, IISER Berhampur, focused on development of cutting-edge adaptive optics ocular devices for clinical applications in ophthalmology, aiming to facilitate early disease diagnosis and management.
Dr Duryodhana Sahu, Head of the Department of Chemistry, talked about the purpose of National Science Day and emphasised on nurturing a science temperament without torturing the planet. There is a need for collaboration among scientists, engineers, policy makers and ethicists for the sustainable scientific growth of the planet, he said.
Prof P Rajesh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor in-charge; Dr Bishnu Kar Nayak, Vice-Principal and Sayad Suleman Ali, Head of HR & Admin also spoke.
Dr Amit Patnaik from the Department of Biotechnology, Dr Subrat Sahu from the Department of Mathematics, and Dr Ratikanta Nayak from the Department of Physics co-coordinated the event. The programme was hosted by Kshirabdhi Tanaya from the Department of English. Dr Subrat Bhuyna provided career counseling for participants, while Prof Simanchal Panigrahi inspired students on the journey from a common man to becoming a scientist.
