PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 15: Odisha’s Minister for Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, on Saturday, felicitated the top 30 winners of the 19th edition of the Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2025 at its Grand Finale in Bhubaneswar.
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, the programme celebrates the legacy of legendary astronomer Pathani Samanta and aims to ignite scientific curiosity among school students across the state.
30 winners were selected from 60 finalists representing different districts of Odisha. The 2025 edition saw participation from more than 76,700 students, while the initiative has reached over 4.7 lakh students since its inception in 2007.
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Congratulating the winners, Patra said the Young Astronomer Talent Search plays a vital role in inspiring students to explore science and space studies, adding that such initiatives help shape future scientists who will bring pride to Odisha and the nation.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Dusmanta Kumar Swain, MLA, Khandapada; Chithra Arumugam (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology and Chairperson, Pathani Samanta Planetarium; Smt. Urmiprava Maharana, Deputy Secretary and Director In-Charge, PSP; and D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, along with senior officials from the government and the company.
Chithra Arumugam described YATS as a strong example of collaboration between the Government of Odisha and Tata Steel, noting that the programme nurtures young talent and strengthens the spirit of scientific inquiry among students.
Highlighting Tata Steel’s commitment to education and science outreach, D.B. Sundara Ramam said YATS is not merely a competition but a celebration of Odisha’s scientific heritage and a platform that encourages young minds to explore the universe with curiosity and confidence.
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The Grand Finale featured interactions with eminent space experts from ISRO and the private space sector, as well as an address by YATS alumnus Ayush Dalai, now an AI developer, who shared his journey with the students.
This year’s theme, “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow,” reflected India’s Gaganyaan mission.
As part of the programme, the 30 winners will soon visit an ISRO facility to gain first-hand exposure to India’s advanced space research, continuing YATS’s tradition of inspiring the next generation of space scientists.
