Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday emphasised the critical role of science and technology in the advancement of human civilisation.
“For India to emerge as a global power, students must develop strong competencies in science and technology. Today’s young learners will go on to shape a prosperous Odisha and a developed India,” he said at the opening ceremony of the SAITED 2025, one of India’s largest school-based science and technology fests being held at SAI International School in Bhubaneswar.
Majhi mentioned about participation of students from government schools of Cuttack-Bhubaneswar in the fest, which he added would promote scientific temperament among them.
The CM further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established a Rs 1 lakh crore Research & Development Fund to strengthen India’s research ecosystem. “This will enrich the research sector, attract more students to pursue innovation, and help them reach new milestones in science and technology,” he said.
Majhi also underscored the contributions of Indian scientists to modern technological advancements.
One of the most-awaited highlights of SAITED 2025 was the session by Group Captai
n Shubhanshu Shukla, who shared insights from his journey as an IAF Test Pilot and ISRO Gaganyatri during his interaction with the students.
He motivated them to dream big and build careers in space science, emphasising the importance of discipline and concentration as the country steps into an exciting new phase of space exploration. “The future is extremely bright for space exploration. We already have a well-laid-out policy — Gaganyaan, the Bharatiya Space Station, and eventually landing on the moon. The plan is there; now the challenge is implementation,” he said.
Praising the central government’s consistent backing of India’s space ambitions, Shukla said, “There is tremendous impetus from the top leadership and unwavering backing for these long-term endeavours. The momentum has been building steadily since Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. If this continues, we will accomplish every one of these missions with great success.”
Themed ‘Infinite Possibilities, Endless Realities: Science Beyond the Omniverse!’, SAITED 2025 features events including Tech Fair, Start-Up Park, Med Talk, Minute Matters, Eureka, Science Serenade, Science Spell Bee, Math Maze, CODEx Gaming Lab, Aeromodelling, Crime Forensics, and several hands-on workshops and competitions.
Students will also showcase scientific models, prototypes, research ideas, and creative innovations across diverse STEM domains.
It was envisioned by the Late Dr Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, Founder of SAI International Education Group, to inspire young minds to imagine fearlessly, innovate boldly and push the boundaries of STEM learning.