Odisha’s Minister of Science and Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, extended congratulations to the winners of Tata Steel’s Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2023, who are embarking on a journey to the Space Applications Centre (SAC) of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in Ahmedabad.

Selected from among 300 schools across 30 districts of Odisha, twenty talented students have been chosen to visit SAC and the Science City in Ahmedabad. The initiative, organized by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, aims to nurture young minds interested in space science and exploration.

Speaking at a special program, Minister Patra emphasized India’s growing prominence in space research and development on the global stage. “I am confident that these budding astronomers will make significant contributions to this field,” he remarked. He extended his congratulations to all the winners and conveyed his best wishes for their educational visit to ISRO’s facility, where they will gain valuable insights into space technology and applications.

The YATS initiative not only recognizes and rewards exceptional talent but also aims to inspire and motivate young students to pursue careers in space science. The visit to SAC and Science City is expected to provide the students with a firsthand experience of advanced space technologies and research facilities.

Tata Steel, known for its commitment to education and community development, has been instrumental in fostering scientific curiosity among students in Odisha through initiatives like YATS. The collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium underscores their shared vision of promoting scientific literacy and nurturing future leaders in space exploration.

The young astronomers, accompanied by educators and mentors, expressed their excitement about the upcoming visit. “This opportunity is a dream come true for us,” said one of the students. “We are eager to learn from the experts at ISRO and explore the fascinating world of space science.”

The visit to ISRO’s SAC is expected to inspire the students and ignite their passion for space exploration, potentially paving the way for future scientific breakthroughs. As India continues to make strides in space technology, initiatives like YATS play a crucial role in encouraging and empowering the next generation of scientists and innovators.

The program concluded with a note of appreciation to Tata Steel, Pathani Samanta Planetarium, and all stakeholders for their efforts in nurturing scientific talent and promoting excellence in space education in Odisha.

The students are scheduled to embark on their educational journey to Ahmedabad, where they will delve into the frontiers of space research and technology, guided by India’s leading space scientists and engineers at ISRO’s SAC.