Bhubaneswar, Nov 9 (UDN): Recognising outstanding contributions to scientific research and innovation, the Odisha Bigyan Academy, under the Science and Technology Department, organised its annual award investiture ceremony for 2024 at Jayadev Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra attended the programme as the chief guest and presented awards to eminent scientists and researchers from Odisha for their achievements across various fields of science.
The ceremony was presided over by Odisha Bigyan Academy President Sibani Mohanty. Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Deoranjan Kumar Singh and Additional Chief Secretary of the Science and Technology Department and Director General of Gopabandhu Academy of Administration, Chithra Arumugam, attended as guests of honour.
Distinguished Scientists Recognised
Five eminent personalities — Dr. Lala Aswini Kumar Singh, Dr. Sudhakar Kar, Prof. Rabindra Kumar Panda, Prof. Prafulla Kumar Mohanty and Prof. Bijay Kumar Mishra — were honoured with the Senior Scientist of Odisha recognition. Each received a memento, citation and uttariya in appreciation of their contributions to science.
Biju Patnaik Award for Scientific Excellence
Dr. Surendra Kumar Biswal received the prestigious Biju Patnaik Award for Scientific Excellence, one of the highest recognitions presented at the ceremony.
The award carries a cash prize of Rs 2 lakh, along with a gold-coated silver medallion, memento, certificate, citation and uttariya.
Samanta Chandra Sekhar Awards
Recognising significant research contributions, the Samanta Chandra Sekhar Award was presented to Prof. Umakanta Subudhi, Prof. Subhankar Bedanta and Prof. Jagadish Chandra Paul for their research work within Odisha.
Prof. Raghunath Sahoo received the same honour for his research contributions outside the state. Each recipient was awarded Rs 1 lakh, along with a medallion, memento and citation.
Young Researchers Encouraged
The Odisha Young Scientist Awards recognised emerging research talent, with Dr. Chita Ranjan Sahoo, Dr. Rudra Majhi and Dr. Ram Prasad Padhy honoured for their research within Odisha.
Dr. Rabindra Mohanty received the award for his scientific work outside the state. Each awardee received a cash prize of Rs 25,000.
Recognition for Popular Science Writing
The Prana Krushna Parija Popular Science Book Award was conferred on Prof. Bhagaban Patra in the General Category and Dr. Krutibas Nayak in the Children’s Category. Both received cash awards of Rs 25,000.
The ceremony highlighted the contributions of established scientists, promising young researchers and science communicators, while recognising the importance of research and scientific awareness in the state’s development.
The programme was hosted by Anuja Tarini Mishra, while Deputy Secretary of the Science and Technology Department Urmiprava Maharana delivered the vote of thanks.
