Rourkela, August 7: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Rourkela hosted a one-day exposure visit for around 50 Class XI girl students under the VigyanJyoti Programme, providing them with first-hand exposure to higher education, scientific research, and state-of-the-art laboratory facilities.

The programme was organised in collaboration with Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sundargarh, the nodal school for implementing the Vigyan Jyoti Programme in the district. As the Knowledge Partner, NIT Rourkela facilitated the visit to encourage young girls to explore opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The inaugural session was graced by Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar, NIT Rourkela, T. K. Chattopadhyay, Principal, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya, Sundargarh, Prof. Surya Narayan Dash, Department of Physics and Astronomy and Nodal Officer of the Vigyan Jyoti Programme at NIT Rourkela, along with escorted teachers, research scholars and students.

Welcoming the participants, Prof. S. N. Dash highlighted that the Vigyan Jyoti Programme, an initiative of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, aims to motivate young girls to pursue higher education and careers in STEM by providing meaningful exposure to premier academic and research institutions.

He encouraged the students to interact with faculty members and researchers and make the most of the opportunity to experience the Institute's laboratories and research ecosystem.

Addressing the gathering, T. K. Chattopadhyay urged the students to utilise the opportunity to learn from the advanced laboratory facilities and interactions with academicians, expressing hope that the visit would ignite their passion for science and inspire many of them to pursue higher studies at institutions like NIT Rourkela.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar, NIT Rourkela, emphasised the importance of providing early exposure to institutions of national importance.

He noted that such interactions help students develop clarity about their academic aspirations and career goals while encouraging them to dream beyond conventional boundaries.

In his inspiring address, Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, motivated the students to pursue their dreams with determination, resilience and self-belief. Through a series of real-life examples, he encouraged the young participants to overcome failures, make independent choices, and recognise that success is driven by perseverance and clarity of purpose rather than merely academic scores.

He also emphasised that talent and determination are independent of gender, urging the students to confidently aspire for excellence in their chosen fields.

The students were taken on a guided tour of the NIT Rourkela campus, where they experienced the Institute's vibrant academic and research environment. They later visited the Undergraduate Physics Laboratory, Chemistry Laboratory, and the Central Research Facility, where faculty members and researchers demonstrated advanced scientific instruments, laboratory experiments, and ongoing research activities.

The Vigyan Jyoti Programme is a flagship initiative of the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, aimed at promoting gender equity in STEM education by encouraging meritorious girl students to pursue higher studies and careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics through mentorship, exposure visits and interactions with leading academic institutions.