30 Students Shine in Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search

In a significant recognition of young talent, 30 students were honored as winners of the 19th edition of the Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) on March 16, 2024, in Bhubaneswar. The event took place during a grand finale organized by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium. This initiative celebrates the legacy of Odisha’s renowned astronomer, Pathani Samanta, and aims to inspire schoolchildren throughout the state to delve into science, astronomy, and space research.

The YATS-2025 attracted participation from over 76,700 students, of which 60 finalists were selected to compete for top honors. Since its inception in 2007, the YATS initiative has reached more than 470,000 students across Odisha. The Minister for Science and Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, expressed his hopes for the winners, encouraging them to carry forward the legacy of Pathani Samanta.

During the ceremony, Patra stated, “I believe these young talents will surely make a mark in the field of space science and make Odisha and India proud.” He acknowledged the organizers for instilling confidence in students to explore the cosmos.

Celebrating Scientific Inquiry

The additional chief secretary of Science and Technology, Chithra Arumugam, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the YATS initiative. She expressed her hope that the winners would continue to foster a spirit of scientific inquiry.

DB Sundara Ramam, vice president of corporate services at Tata Steel, emphasized the importance of nurturing young minds. “By encouraging young minds to explore the universe with curiosity and courage, we are investing in a future where innovation, discovery, and human potential shine brighter than ever,” he remarked.

The event also featured insights from notable figures in the field of space science, including senior scientist Amitav Mohanty from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), co-founder and CEO of Serendipity Space, Antariksh Parichha, and local AI developer Ayush Dalai. Their presence underscored the significance of supporting the next generation of astronomers and innovators.

The Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search continues to serve as a vital platform for fostering interest in astronomy and space science among young students, ensuring that the legacy of exploration and discovery thrives in the years to come.