The 16th Foundation Day of the KIIT International School here was celebrated on Saturday with the presence of distinguished nuclear scientist Dr R Chidambaram, who emphasised the need to identify gifted children from an early age and nurture their talents.
Padma Vibhushan Dr Chidambaram referred to the mathematical genius Srinivasa Ramanujan, who topped the class until Standard-XI but thereafter lost interest in all subjects but mathematics.
Dr Chidambaram shared his thoughts about the 1998 Pokhran nuclear tests and said students should be aware that the nuclear programme not only enhances national security but also brings benefits to areas such as agriculture and medicine.
KIIT Group of Institutions founder Dr Achyuta Samanta told the students, “Try to be good to yourself; then, everything will be good for you. You will one day become a great person like Dr Chidambaram.”
Kalinga Institute of Social Sciences (KISS) Chancellor Satya S Tripathi and KiiT International School Chairperson Dr Mona Lisa Bal and Principal Dr Sanjay Suar also spoke.