Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is giving increased emphasis to scientific research and technology-driven projects while taking steps to foster scientific curiosity and innovation among young students, Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra said.

Speaking as the chief guest at the National Space Day celebration organised at the Odisha Space Applications Centre (ORSAC), Patra said the government was also focused on ensuring that products and technologies developed in Odisha contribute to the larger interests of the country.

The minister highlighted the role of ORSAC in generating valuable data on agricultural land, groundwater resources and mineral deposits across the state. Such information, he said, is helping the government in planning and, where necessary, reducing public expenditure.

“It is a matter of great satisfaction that drones and other equipment developed by startups in Odisha are being used in the country’s defence system,” Patra said, expressing hope that scientists from the state would continue to make significant contributions to science and technology and bring recognition to Odisha and the country.

Patra also announced plans for the construction of a Science Bhawan and a new ORSAC building in the state, along with the establishment of a Geographic Information System (GIS) laboratory.

He further said preliminary discussions have been held with the Central government regarding the establishment of a satellite launch centre in Odisha. He said the matter was also discussed with Union ministers during his recent visit to New Delhi.

Additional Chief Secretary of the Science and Technology Department, Chitra Arumugam, said Odisha has made significant progress in the field of science. Science centres and planetariums have been established in Kendujhar, Mayurbhanj, Rayagada, Ganjam, Balangir and Rourkela, she said.

Arumugam urged students to visit these centres to learn more about space, planets and other scientific subjects. She also stressed the importance of developing curiosity among students and encouraging them to ask questions about different subjects.

Professor Shishir Panda of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), who attended the event as the keynote speaker, encouraged students to remain committed to their goals and make consistent efforts to achieve them. He also shared his experiences with the students.

ORSAC Chief Executive Officer Rashmita Panda delivered the welcome address and spoke about the various activities and achievements of the Odisha Space Applications Centre.

During the programme, an atlas on groundwater conservation, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and ORSAC education intern portal, as well as an ORSAC project booklet, were released.

Students who excelled in school-level competitions were felicitated at the event. An exhibition showcasing various scientific and technological initiatives was also organised, while several startups were felicitated for their contributions.

Senior officials of the Science and Technology Department, scientists, educationists and students were present on the occasion.