Loisingha: Soumyashree Thanapati, a Class X student from Balangir district, has secured first place at the National Science Seminar 2026 in New Delhi, bringing national recognition to Odisha.
A native of Burda village and a student of Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya (OAV) at Jharmunda in Loisingha block, Soumyashree outperformed contestants from 28 states to win the top position.
She received a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 48,000.
Organised by the National Council of Science Museums under the Union Ministry of Culture, the seminar was held at the National Science Centre in New Delhi.
This year’s theme was ‘India’s Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges’.
Participants presented their views on the country’s future energy needs, renewable energy and conservation. Soumyashree impressed the judges with her fact-based speech and effective presentation.
Her achievement sparked celebrations at her school and across the district.
District Education Officer (DEO) Sudhanshu Mishra, school principal Jyotirmayee Pradhan and others congratulated her.
Pradhan described the achievement as a moment of pride for the institution and wished Soumyashree a bright future.
Science teacher Ganesh Dora accompanied her to New Delhi, along with her parents, to provide guidance and support.
Odisha has secured the top position at the national seminar twice, including this year.
Soumyashree’s victory comes after a gap of 13 years since an Odia girl last achieved the distinction.
