Bhubaneswar: In a ceremony that celebrated the accomplishments of scientists and researchers, the Odisha Bigyan Academy recognized outstanding contributions in the field of Science and Technology. Led by Ashok Chandra Panda, the Minister of Science and Technology, the investiture event held at Jayadev Bhawan highlighted the state government’s commitment to fostering scientific growth and innovation.
Minister Panda, addressing the audience, underscored the government’s significant strides in advancing science and technology. The ceremony aimed to honour scientists for their noteworthy contributions, reflecting the state’s commitment to excellence in education, research, and technological innovation.
The event brought attention to the pivotal role played by distinguished institutes in Odisha, such as IIT, AIIMS, NISER, IISER, CRRI, IMMT, ILS, and RMRC. Minister Panda extended his best wishes to the recognized scientists, emphasizing their crucial role in steering the state towards scientific progress.
The Principal Secretary of Science and Technology, Chitra Arumugam, highlighted the transformative impact of science and technology on lifestyle and socio-economic dynamics. She commended the various organizations operating under the Science and Technology Department for their notable contributions in education, research, and support for startups and innovation.
The ceremony included the presentation of awards in various categories, recognizing scientific excellence, young talent, and contributions to popular science literature.
The prestigious “Biju Pattnaik Award” for Scientific Excellence was conferred upon Prof Pravat Kumar Mohapatra and Prof Bidyut Kumar Das for the years 2021 and 2022, respectively.
In the “Samanta Chandra Sekahar Award” category, Prof. Hrudayanath Thatoi, Dr. Bikash Kumar Jena, Dr. Ashok Kumar Sahu, and Dr. Narayan Prasad Padhy were honored for 2021, while Prof. Ramesh Chandra Patra, Dr. Bhagyadhara Bhoi, and Prof Debi Prasanna Kanungo received the award for 2022.
Odisha Young Scientists Award was presented to Dr. Basudeba Kar, Dr. Swagatika Dash, and Dr. Bishnu Prasad Biswal for 2021, and Dr. Soumya Ranjan Jena, Dr. Uttam Kumar Panigrahi, Dr. Soumya Prakash Dash, and Dr. Rekha Biswal for 2022.
The Pranakrushna Parija Popular Science Book Award honored Sri Arun Kumar Patra, Dr. Asit Kumar Swain (2021), and Shri Kartik Swain, Dr. Subhendu Patnaik (2022).
Senior scientists with remarkable contributions, including Dr. Subasini Lenka, Dr. Nikhilananda Panigrahi, Prof. Ganapati Panda, Dr. Dhirendra Kumar Das, and Dr. Ramachandra Mohanty for 2021, and Dr. Suboda Kumar Sahu, Dr. Bijay Ketan Patnaik, Prof. Siba Prasad Adhikary, Prof. Satyaban Jena, and Dr. Monaranjan Kar for 2022, were also felicitated.