A two-day 20th Science and Environment Congress began here on Satgurdayh, jointly organised by the Orissa Environmental Society (OES) and the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER).
Speaking at the inauguration function, School and Mass Education, Science and Technology Minister Badri Narayan Patra told that science and technology can play a great role for proper utilisation of natural resources for faster growth of Odisha. He also called upon all science institutions for focusing on research to solve various social problems of the State besides tackling the natural disasters.
Ravenshaw University VC Prof Ishan Kumar Patra attending as guest of honour underscored the need for more researches on areas like nanotechnology, IT and biotechnology.
NISER Director Prof Sudhakar Panda while presiding over the function said that science education should be made more attractive and effective in nation building exercise.
OES president Dr Sundar Narayan Patra delivered the welcome address. Convener Dr Jayakrushna Panigrahi introduced the guests.
Four scientists such as Prof Rabindranath Nayak, Prof Sudarshan Nanda, Prof Mahendra Kumar Mohanty and NISER Director Prof Panda were felicitated on the occasion.
The two-day meet was joined by over 500 scientists, researchers, teachers and students from the State and outside.