Rourkela, Sept 19: Girl students of Class 12th  and teachers of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Kendriya Vidyalaya, and Eklavya Model Residential School, all located at Sundergarh Wednesday visited NIT Rourkela for an exposure tour under the Vigyan Jyoti Programme. 

Teams saw science laboratories, centres and various departments. Prof SN Dash, nodal officer of the Vigyan Jyoti Programme from NIT Rourkela, guided the students. A total of 49 female students attended this one-day educational tour of NITR. 

“Under this prestigious programme, this is the third visit of the school students to NIT Rourkela, Under-representation of women is a multi-dimensional problem, and we need to see the problems from all angles and give a little push to get the desired result. Through this Vigyan Jyoti Programme, we can also increase the number of women in science from an early age. Throughout the day, the students will visit various undergraduate labs, research facilities, Student Activity Centre etc," said Prof Dash. 

Chief guest Prof K Umamaheshwar Rao said, “As we stand in a world where women are breaking barriers in every field, I encourage each of you to dream big and work hard for it. Life is a one-time opportunity, so aim high and make the most of it. The exposure visit to NIT Rourkela will help you explore different science streams and career possibilities."

JNV Principal T K Chattopadhyay said, “The visit allowed the students to witness first-hand the state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories, and resources that an engineering college of this stature offers. I am sure that this experience will broaden their thinking and dreams."

Addressing the event, Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar of NIT Rourkela said that NIT Rourkela will organize more such programs to support and promote such programs and encourage female participation in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

Kumari Jaishree, Coordinator at JNV Sundargarh, concluded the inaugural event with a vote of thanks. 

The Vigyan Jyoti Programme, launched by India's Department of Science and Technology, aims to empower young women to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) careers. It provides support through workshops and exposure visits to premier institutions, scholarships, career counselling, etc. boosting a more inclusive environment for women in science and technology.