UditVani, Jamshedpur: In a celebration of scientific curiosity and youthful brilliance, Odisha’s Minister for Food Supplies & Consumer Welfare and Science & Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, on Saturday felicitated the top 30 winners of the 19th edition of the Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2025 at its Grand Finale in Bhubaneswar.
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, YATS is a flagship initiative that honours the legacy of legendary Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta while inspiring school students to pursue science, astronomy and space research.
This year, 30 winners were selected from among 60 finalists drawn from across the state. The competition witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 76,700 students participating in the 2025 edition alone. Since its inception in 2007, the programme has reached more than 4.7 lakh students across Odisha, emerging as one of the state’s most impactful science outreach initiatives.
Addressing the gathering, Krushna Chandra Patra congratulated the winners and encouraged them to carry forward the rich scientific legacy of Pathani Samanta. He lauded Tata Steel for nurturing scientific temper among students and expressed confidence that these young achievers would go on to make Odisha and India proud in the field of space science.
The event was graced by several eminent dignitaries, including Dusmanta Kumar Swain, MLA, Khandapada; Smt. Chithra Arumugam (IAS), Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology, Government of Odisha and Chairperson, Pathani Samanta Planetarium; Urmiprava Maharana, Deputy Secretary, Science & Technology and Director In-Charge, PSP; and D.B. Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, along with senior officials from the government and Tata Steel.
Chithra Arumugam described YATS as a shining example of collaboration between the Government of Odisha and Tata Steel, stating that the programme celebrates young minds driven by curiosity and a passion for science, while strengthening the spirit of scientific inquiry among students.
Reaffirming Tata Steel’s commitment to education and science outreach, D.B. Sundara Ramam said YATS is more than a competition—it is a tribute to Odisha’s scientific heritage and an investment in a future driven by innovation, discovery and human potential.
The Grand Finale also featured insightful interactions with eminent space experts, including Shri Amitav Mohanty, Scientist-SG and Head of EP & FMD at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, ISRO, Sriharikota, and Shri Antariksh Parichha, Co-founder and CEO of Serendipity Space. YATS alumnus Ayush Dalai, now a Bhubaneswar-based AI developer, shared his inspirational journey with the students.
The 2025 edition revolved around the theme “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow”, echoing India’s aspirations under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. As part of the programme, the 30 winners will soon visit an ISRO facility, gaining first-hand exposure to India’s cutting-edge space research. Notably, over 230 YATS winners have already visited premier ISRO centres over the years.
Senior officials including Rashmita Panda, IAS, CEO, Odisha Space Application Centre; Sibani Mohanty, Additional Secretary, Science & Technology; Bidyut Prava Rout, FA-cum-Additional Secretary; Shashikant Dash, Deputy Director (Biotechnology); and Chinmayee Chetana Dash, Deputy Secretary, Science & Technology, were also present on the occasion, making the event a memorable confluence of talent, inspiration and scientific vision.
