Girl Students of JNV, KV and EMRS Sundergarh visited NIT Rourkela under the Vigyan Jyoti Programme
On 18th September 2024, girl students of Class 12th and teachers of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (Zincnagar, Sundargarh), Kendriya Vidyalaya, Sundargarh and Eklavya Model Residential School Sundergarh visited NIT Rourkela for an exposure tour under the Vigyan Jyoti Programme. JNV Sundargarh is the nodal school for conducting programmes under the Vigyan Jyoti Scheme in collaboration with other regional schools of Sundargarh. As NIT Rourkela is the knowledge partner of the JNV Sundargarh, it facilitated the team with science laboratories, centres and departmental visits for a day. Prof. S. N. Dash (Dept. of Physics and Astronomy) is the nodal officer of Vigyan Jyoti Programme from NIT Rourkela. A total of 49 female students attended this one-day educational tour of NITR.
Their exposure visit started with an inauguration programme. Welcoming the students, and guests, Prof. S. N. Dash said, “Under this prestigious programme, this is the third visit of the school students to NIT Rourkela, Under-representation of women is a multi-dimensional problem, and we need to see the problems from all angles and give a little push to get the desired result. Through this Vigyan Jyoti Programme, we can also increase the number of women in science from an early age. Throughout the day, the students will visit various undergraduate labs, research facilities, Student Activity Centre etc”.
The Chief Guest of the programme, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao joined the session and said, “It is heartening to see a group of young girls participating in the Vigyan Jyoti Programme. As we stand in a world where women are breaking barriers in every field, I encourage each of you to dream big and work hard for it. Life is a one-time opportunity, so aim high and make the most of it. The exposure visit to NIT Rourkela will help you explore different science streams and career possibilities. I hope that by the end of the day, some of you will be inspired to pursue engineering and technology for your future academic journey.”
Joining the programme, Mr. T K Chattopadhyay (Principal, JNV Sundergarh) said, “It is indeed a great opportunity for students to explore one of the country’s premier institutes where they can explore the vast possibilities in science and technology. The visit allowed them to witness first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and resources that an engineering college of this stature offers. I am sure that this experience will broaden their thinking and dreams.”
Addressing the event, Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar of NIT Rourkela emphasized the importance of STEM subjects, encouraging students to make the most of initiatives under DST India’s programs. He said that NIT Rourkela will organize more such programs to support and promote such programs and encourage female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.
Ms. Kumari Jaishree, Coordinator at JNV Sundargarh, concluded the inaugural event with a vote of thanks. She expressed her gratitude to the NIT Rourkela team for organizing the visit and providing valuable exposure to the students. After the interactional session with students, the student team visited departmental labs, the Central Research Facility, the Student Activity Centre, the Innovation Cell and other units at NIT Rourkela.
The Vigyan Jyoti Programme, launched by India’s Department of Science and Technology, aims to empower young women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. It provides support through workshops and exposure visits to premier institutions, scholarships, career counselling, etc. boosting a more inclusive environment for women in science and technology.