20th Edition of Young Astronomer Talent Search launched in Odisha
By Nalini Sahu
Bhubaneswar, July 29: The 20th edition of the Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS), an initiative of Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium under the Science & Technology Department, Government of Odisha, was launched on Wednesday by Science & Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra at Lokseva Bhawan.
The annual programme provides a platform for students of Classes VI to X across Odisha to explore astronomy, astrophysics and space science while celebrating the legacy of legendary Odia astronomer Pathani Samanta.
Launching this year’s edition, themed “India’s Next Gagganaut”, Patra said the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of space explorers and foster scientific curiosity among young minds.
“The programme has so far reached more than 5.4 lakh students across Odisha, with 260 winners getting the opportunity to visit various Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facilities and experience India’s space programme firsthand. These young astronomers are the future of our nation, and scientific advancement is the cornerstone of every developed country. I am confident that YATS will contribute to the vision of a Viksit Odisha by 2036 and a Viksit Bharat by 2047,” he said.
The launch ceremony was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Science & Technology, Chithra Arumugam, who is also Chairperson of the Pathani Samanta Planetarium, along with Additional Secretaries Sibani Mohanty and Puja Mishra, FA-cum-Additional Secretary Bidyut Prabha Rout, Director of Pathani Samanta Planetarium Urmiprava Maharana, Tata Steel Chief Resident Executive Mohit Das and Chief-Corporate Services, Tata Steel Meramandali, Subhranshu Sekhar Panda.
Reaffirming Tata Steel’s commitment to nurturing scientific talent, Mohit Das said the company would continue expanding the programme through both physical and digital modes to make it more inclusive and accessible.
Students can participate through their schools or register online. This year’s competition includes an open quiz for Classes VI to VIII and a multiple-choice test for Classes IX and X. District-level winners will compete in the grand finale at the Pathani Samanta Planetarium in Bhubaneswar on December 13, 2026, coinciding with the birth anniversary of Pathani Samanta.
Over the past 19 years, YATS has emerged as one of Odisha’s premier science outreach programmes, inspiring lakhs of students to explore the mysteries of space and pursue scientific excellence.
