Odisha’s CM Majhi Champions Science for India’s Global Future

Mohan Charan Majhi, the Chief Minister of Odisha, underscored the pivotal role of science and technology in enhancing India’s global standing during the opening ceremony of SAITED 2025 on March 13, 2024. This large-scale science and technology festival is being hosted at SAI International School in Bhubaneswar and aims to inspire students’ engagement in scientific inquiry and innovation.

At the event, Majhi highlighted the importance of equipping students with robust competencies in science and technology. He stated, “For India to emerge as a global power, students must develop strong competencies in science and technology. Today’s young learners will go on to shape a prosperous Odisha and a developed India.” The festival has attracted participation from students across government schools in the Cuttack-Bhubaneswar region, fostering a scientific temperament among attendees.

In his address, the Chief Minister also pointed to significant investments in research, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has established a INR 1 trillion Research & Development Fund. Majhi elaborated that this initiative would enhance India’s research ecosystem, attracting more students to pursue careers in innovation and enabling them to achieve new milestones in science and technology.

One of the festival’s standout moments featured a session led by Group Captain Shubhanshu, who shared his experiences as an Indian Air Force Test Pilot and a participant in the ISRO Gaganyatri mission. He encouraged students to aspire for careers in space science, emphasizing the significance of discipline and focus as India embarks on an exciting era of space exploration. “The future is extremely bright for space exploration,” he stated, highlighting plans like Gaganyaan, the Bharatiya Space Station, and lunar missions.

Shubhanshu commended the central government for its steadfast support of India’s space ambitions, saying, “There is tremendous impetus from the top leadership and unwavering backing for these long-term endeavors. The momentum has been building steadily since Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. If this continues, we will accomplish every one of these missions with great success.”

SAITED 2025: A Hub of Innovation and Learning

Themed “Infinite Possibilities, Endless Realities: Science Beyond the Omniverse!”, SAITED 2025 features a variety of activities designed to engage young minds in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Events include a Tech Fair, Start-Up Park, Med Talk, and competitions such as the Science Spell Bee and Math Maze. Students will also present scientific models, prototypes, and innovative research ideas across diverse STEM domains.

The festival was envisioned by the late Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo, the founder of the SAI International Education Group. His goal was to inspire young individuals to imagine fearlessly and innovate boldly, pushing the boundaries of STEM learning. As students immerse themselves in this vibrant environment, they gain invaluable skills and insights that will shape their futures and contribute to India’s goal of becoming a global superpower in science and technology.