Science

Odisha Class 10 Student Wins National Science Seminar, Secures Rs 48,000 Scholarship

By TOI Lifestyle Desk

A Class 10 student from Odisha, Soumyashree Thanapati of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya in Jharmunda, won the National Science Seminar 2026 held at the National Science Centre in New Delhi on October 30. She earned a trophy, a certificate and a scholarship of Rs 48,000. Her victory marks the first time an Odisha student has taken first place at the national‑level competition in 13 years, according to OdishaBytes and other regional outlets. The seminar, organised by the National Council of Science Museums under the Union Ministry of Culture, drew participants from 34 states and Union Territories. The theme was ‘Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges,’ asking students to examine India’s future energy needs, alternative sources, technological innovation and energy security as the country approaches its centenary of independence. Soumyashree’s presentation on these topics earned her the top position. A panel of five experts assessed participants on subject knowledge, scientific understanding, ideas and presentation skills. Nine runners‑up were also declared, each receiving a trophy, a certificate and a scholarship of Rs 24,000. The runners‑up represented Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, Maharashtra, Bihar, West Bengal, Tripura, Chandigarh, Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh and Haryana. In total, Rs 2.64 lakh was distributed as scholarships among the winner and the nine runners‑up. Senior officials from the science, education and energy sectors attended the event. The National Science Seminar has been held annually by the National Council of Science Museums since 1982 to encourage scientific thinking, curiosity, critical reasoning and communication skills among school students. Soumyashree’s achievement was supported by her school, teachers, the Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya Sangathan, the Balangir district administration and the Regional Science Centre in Odisha.