Odisha CM emphasizes harnessing science and technology for societal welfare
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for the strategic use of science and technology to drive lasting societal change, ensuring accessibility and welfare for all. Speaking at the ‘Scientist Felicitation and Award Ceremony – 2023’ held at the Lok Seva Bhavan Convention Center on Friday, CM Majhi underscored the importance of grassroots research and scientific innovation in fostering the state’s economic growth and developmental excellence.
“If we aim to compete at the global level, we must leverage scientific discoveries to develop long-term strategies for human development. Advancements in science must be mirrored by progress in key sectors like agriculture, healthcare, energy, education, and environmental conservation,” said the Chief Minister. Majhi also highlighted India’s significant strides in space exploration, referencing notable missions such as Chandrayaan, Aditya, Mangalyaan, and Gaganyaan, which have placed Indian science firmly on the global stage. The Chief Minister further acknowledged the growing prominence of Indian talent in the IT sector and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing science and technology.
Turning to Odisha’s own contributions, CM Majhi proudly announced the state’s advancements in deep-tech and frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, robotics, and quantum computing. He revealed that the state government is keen on tapping into Odisha’s rich biodiversity for biotechnological research, with a focus on bio-resources and traditional medicine. One such initiative is the establishment of the Odisha Marine Biotechnology Research & Innovation Corridor, aimed at harnessing the bio-resources of the Bay of Bengal to drive marine biotechnology innovations.
To further foster a scientific mindset across the state, the government is working on expanding STEM education, which includes setting up a network of planetariums and science centers to engage students and the public alike in the wonders of science.
Majhi extended his best wishes to all the scientists, expressing optimism that future generations would propel revolutionary advancements, making science more accessible and beneficial to society.
During the ceremony, Minister for Science and Technology, Krushna Chandra Patra, remarked on the growing public interest in science and its increasing influence on everyday life, saying, “Scientific advancement is synonymous with strength and power in today’s world.”Several distinguished scientists were honoured for their exceptional contributions in various fields during the ceremony.
The Senior Scientist Award was presented to Prof. Raj Kishore Paramguru, Dr. Subhrangshu Sekhar Mohapatra, Prof. Krishna Chandra Mohanty, Dr. Raghupati Bhima Rao, and Prof. Malay Kumar Mishra. Prof. Kshirod Kumar Jena received the prestigious Biju Patnaik Award for his outstanding work. The Pranakrishna Parija Popular Science Book Award was given to Rabindranath Majhi and Tulasi Swain for their contributions to popularizing science through literature. The Samanta Chandra Sekhar Award was awarded to Dr. Sanghamitra Samantaray, Dr. Bedangadas Mohanty, Prof. Subrat Kumar Panda, and Prof. Pinaki Dutta for their remarkable work in scientific research. The Young Scientist Award was presented to Dr. Sarita Sekhar Pattnaik, Dr. Apramita Chand, Dr. Rajesh Kumar Prusti, and Dr. Sanjay Kumar Panda, recognizing their emerging potential and significant contributions to the field of science.
