Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the 26th National Children’s Science Congress (NCSC) at the SOA University here on Thursday.
Speaking on the occasion, he said Bhubaneswar has emerged as the knowledge hub of eastern India. Scientific progress is important for nation’s growth, he opined.
“Theme for this year’s NCSC – “Science, Technology and Innovation for a Clean, Green and Healthy Nation” -- is apt as environment and health have emerged as two major concerns of our time,” Patnaik said.
“My government is focussing a lot on development of scientific temper amongst our children through organisation of different science-based programmes at various levels. We are establishing science parks and planetariums at district-level to create interest among children in various aspects of science and technology,” he added.
Patnaik also released a special postal cover to mark the occasion presented to him by Director of Postal Services, Bhubaneswar G Gurunathan.
The inaugural programme was also attended by Minister for School and Mass Education, Science and Technology Badri Narayan Patra, Chief Secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi and Science and Technology Secretary Nikunja Bihari Dhal.
The annual event, which provides a platform to children to showcase their creativity and ability to innovate, will consist of technical sessions, exhibitions and discussions.
Children in the age group of 10-17 years including school students and those who are not part of formal education, besides differently-abled children, will attend the event supported by the National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC).
Children from ten Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and five Gulf countries are also attending the event. It will conclude on December 31.