YATS 2025, organised by Tata Steel and Pathani Samanta Planetarium, inspired over 76,000 Odisha students, nurturing young talent for India’s space future
OdishaPlus Bureau
The Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2025 once again emerged as a vibrant celebration of curiosity, creativity and scientific temper among Odisha’s young talents, showcasing the State’s growing ecosystem for powering India’s future in science and space exploration.
Organised by Tata Steel in collaboration with the Pathani Samanta Planetarium (PSP), Bhubaneswar, under the Department of Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, the 19th edition of YATS witnessed remarkable enthusiasm, with over 76,700 students participating this year from all 30 districts of state. From among 60 finalists, 30 outstanding young achievers were selected, representing schools from across Odisha. Since its inception in 2007, YATS has reached more than 4.7 lakh students, making it one of the most impactful science outreach initiatives in the state.
Commemorating the timeless legacy of legendary astronomer Pathani Samanta on his 190th birth anniversary, the Grand Finale of the annual talent hunt initiative held on December 13, reflected Odisha’s larger vision of inspiring school students to look beyond textbooks and explore the wonders of astronomy, space science and research. The event brought together the confluence of ideas, inspiration and aspirations, as young students showcased their passion for science and space before an audience of eminent dignitaries, educators and scientists.
Krushna Chandra Patra, Minister for Science and Technology, Government of Odisha, felicitated the top 30 winners of the annual talent hunt initiative, recognising their scientific aptitude. Congratulating the students, the Minister encouraged them to carry forward the legacy of Pathani Samanta and continue exploring the frontiers of space science, expressing confidence that they would contribute meaningfully to India’s space ambitions.
The event was graced by several other dignitaries including Dusmanta Kumar Swain, MLA, Khandapada; Chithra Arumugam, Additional Chief Secretary, Science and Technology Dept; D B Sundara Ramam, Vice President, Corporate Services, Tata Steel, along with other senior officials from the Government of Odisha and Tata Steel.
Highlighting the collaborative spirit behind YATS, Chithra Arumugam, said the programme stands as a testament to the partnership between the Government of Odisha and Tata Steel in promoting scientific inquiry among young learners. She noted that YATS celebrates curiosity and critical thinking, qualities that empower students to excel across disciplines and remain relevant in a rapidly evolving world.
Reaffirming Tata Steel’s long-standing commitment to science education, D B Sundara Ramam described YATS as more than a competition—a tribute to Pathani Samanta’s legacy and a celebration of Odisha’s scientific ethos. He emphasised that encouraging young minds to explore the universe with curiosity and courage is an investment in a future driven by innovation and discovery.
The event also featured enriching student interactions with distinguished space experts, including Amitav Mohanty, Scientist-SG and Head of EP & FMD, Safety Operations and Systems Entity at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, ISRO, Sriharikota, and Antariksh Parichha, Co-founder and CEO of Serendipity Space, who shared insights into emerging technologies and evolving career opportunities in the space sector. Ayush Dalai, a Bhubaneswar-based AI developer and YATS alumnus (2015), also inspired students by sharing his journey from YATS to cutting-edge innovation.
The 2025 edition of YATS was anchored around the theme “Stargazer Today, Gagannaut Tomorrow”, aligning with India’s aspirations under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. As a key outcome of the programme, the 30 winners will soon visit an ISRO facility, where they will interact with leading scientists and gain first-hand exposure to India’s advanced space research programmes. To date, over 230 YATS winners have already visited premier ISRO centres.
