Odisha minister honours YATS winners as over 76,700 students take part
By Ipsita Das
Bhubaneswar, Dec. 14: Odisha’s Science and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra on Saturday felicitated the top 30 winners of the 19th edition of the Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2025 at its Grand Finale here, underlining the state’s growing focus on nurturing scientific temper and interest in space science among school students.
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Science and Technology, YATS seeks to promote astronomy and scientific inquiry while commemorating the legacy of eminent Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta. This year, the winners were chosen from 60 finalists representing districts across the state. A total of over 76,700 students participated in the latest edition, taking the programme’s cumulative outreach to more than 4.7 lakh students since its inception in 2007.
Congratulating the winners, Patra said initiatives like YATS play a crucial role in inspiring young minds to explore science, innovation and space research. He lauded Tata Steel for its sustained support to the programme and expressed confidence that the awardees would contribute meaningfully to India’s expanding scientific and space ambitions.
Khandapara MLA Dusmanta Kumar Swain described YATS as a successful model of collaboration between the state government and the corporate sector, noting that it encourages curiosity-driven learning and critical thinking among students, irrespective of their future career choices. Additional Chief Secretary (Science and Technology) Chithra Arumugam also commended the initiative for recognising and motivating young talent in astronomy.
Speaking on the occasion, Tata Steel Vice-President (Corporate Services) D. B. Sundara Ramam said YATS was more than a competition, calling it a tribute to Pathani Samanta’s enduring legacy and a platform to nurture curiosity, innovation and discovery among young learners.
The finale featured interactive sessions with leading space professionals, including ISRO scientist Amitav Mohanty from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and Antariksh Parichha, co-founder and CEO of Serendipity Space. YATS alumnus and AI developer Ayush Dalai also shared his journey with the participants.
The 2025 edition was themed “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow”, aligning with India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. As part of the programme, the 30 winners will visit an ISRO facility, joining more than 230 former YATS winners who have toured premier space research centres across the country.
