Six Odisha Students to Represent State in Japan’s SAKURA Science Programme

Bhubaneswar: Six meritorious students from Odisha, accompanied by a guide teacher, have embarked on an international learning journey to Japan under the prestigious SAKURA Science High School Programme (SSHP), scheduled from August 16 to 23, 2025.

The selected students are Sai Soham Pradhan (Iconic OAV, Andharua, Khordha), Sreyashree Panigrahi (BJB Higher Secondary School, Bhubaneswar), Samikhya Rani Mali (Govt. SSD Higher Secondary School, Karchamal, Nabarangpur), Chandra Sekhar Behera (Khallikote Higher Secondary School, Berhampur, Ganjam), Sipra Satapathy (Ravenshaw Higher Secondary School, Cuttack), and Punya Pulokita Pati (OAV, Tarando, Kendrapara). They are accompanied by Smt. Niharika Sahu, guide teacher from BJB Higher Secondary School, Bhubaneswar.

The team departed from Bhubaneswar on August 14, boarding the Rajdhani Super-Fast Express, marking the start of their week-long academic and cultural exposure in Japan.

Organised by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), the SAKURA Science High School Programme aims to nurture young talent in science and technology through short-term study tours, academic exchanges, and cultural interactions. Participants will visit leading Japanese universities, research institutions, and high-tech industries, gaining global exposure and building connections that encourage future scientific collaboration.

Officials expressed hope that this experience would inspire the students to pursue advanced research and innovation, while fostering stronger educational ties between India and Japan.