14th edition of Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search: More than 1000 students participated

Bhubaneswar, Dec 15: More than 1000 students from schools across Odisha participated in a day long programme organised on Monday on the digital platform in view of the pandemic, as part of the 14th edition of Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS 2020). Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) has completed 14 years of opening young minds to the wonders of astronomy. Tata Steel in collaboration with Pathani Samanta Planetarium, under the aegis of Science and Technology Department, Government of Odisha, has been conducting the YATS for school children of the state since 2007. The initiative aims to identify and encourage the talents of school children in the field of astronomy and space science by providing them with a platform to test and express their knowledge and to popularise the great contributions of legendary Pathani Samanta. Chief Minister, Naveen Patniak in his message said:“YATS has proved to be a befitting homage to the great son of Odisha, Pathani Samanta, to attract more and more students to the field of astronomy that he was so passionate about. I hope YATS continues to play its role as a platform for students to identify, nurture and develop their talent in space science, along with creating a community of scholars in the State of Odisha who can contribute to its development on a sustainable basis.” Ashok Chandra Panda, Minister, Science & Technology, Public Enterprises, Social Security & Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, said:“The state government under the able leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Naveen Patnaik, has always tried for promoting the scientific temper specially among students that helps in developing secularism, humanism and spirit of quest. It has been mooted to extend the YATS programme in the form of exposure visit of students to NASA, USA. I take this opportunity to congratulate all the young students of Odisha who have participated in the 14th edition of Young Astronomer Talent search programme and wish them all the best.” Chanakya Chaudhary, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, said: “In the years to come, we expect to build a more engaging communityof YATS to promote astronomy and space science among the student community in Odisha. I thank the Government of Odishaand Pathani Samanta Institute for extending all support to the YATS programme which has grown from strength to strength over the years. We are committed to scaling up the programme to national and even international level.”