Dhenkanal, 11 September: The District-Level Students’ Science Seminar–2026 was successfully held today at the auditorium of Dhenkanal Science Centre. The programme was jointly organized by Dhenkanal Science Centre, a unit of the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and the District Education Office, Dhenkanal under the School & Mass Education Department, Government of Odisha.
The theme of this year’s seminar was “Indian Energy Basket 2047: Opportunities and Challenges.” The programme was inaugurated with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by Mr. M. M. Rout, District Science Officer, Dhenkanal Science Centre, and Mr. Biswajit Mishra, District Science Supervisor, Dhenkanal.
In his welcome address, Mr. Rout emphasized India’s energy security by 2047, the importance of renewable energy, sustainable development, and the promotion of scientific temperament among students. He also briefed the participants about the seminar guidelines.
A total of 16 students, who had emerged as winners at the block-level competitions across Dhenkanal district, participated in the seminar. They presented their research-based ideas on the theme through PowerPoint presentations.
The presentations were evaluated by Dr. Debi Prasad Mishra, District Academic Coordinator, National Children’s Science Congress, Dhenkanal, and Mr. Kailash Chandra Prusty, retired Headmaster.
The winners were:
* First Prize: Shriman Mishra, Panchayat Raj High School, Kanapura
* Second Prize: Aradhya Nayak, Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Ankarantipur
* Third Prize: Anupriya Behera, Bedapada Government High School
During the afternoon prize distribution ceremony, Mr. M. M. Rout, Mr. Biswajit Mishra, Mr. Kailash Chandra Prusty, and Dr. Debi Prasad Mishra addressed the gathering. They provided valuable guidance on effective scientific seminar presentation and felicitated the winners with certificates and prizes. All participants were also awarded certificates of participation.
Shriman Mishra, a Class IX student of Panchayat Raj High School, Kanapura, Kamakhyanagar, secured the first position and has been selected to represent Dhenkanal district at the State-Level Students’ Science Seminar–2026.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Biswajit Mishra. Mr. Shankar Gurung, Education Assistant, along with the staff of Dhenkanal Science Centre and the District Education Department, coordinated the event successfully.