Odisha Governor Highlights Science and Technology Education for Rural Girls at New STEM and AI Labs Inauguration
Sudam babu state bureau odisha
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Bhubaneswar, October 11, 2026 | Education and Technology
Odisha Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati has called for expanding access to science, technology and innovation education for girls living in rural areas. Speaking at an educational programme in Bargarh district, he emphasised that a student’s background or geographical location should never become an obstacle to achieving academic excellence and pursuing a successful career.

On Sunday, October 11, the Governor inaugurated three modern educational facilities at Koshal School in Nuakhairapali village: the Boeing Sukanya STEM Lab, an Aeromodelling Training Centre and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab. These facilities are intended to introduce students to practical scientific learning, aviation-related concepts and emerging digital technologies.
The programme highlighted the importance of bringing advanced educational resources to rural schools and creating opportunities for students who may otherwise have limited exposure to specialised science and technology training.
Modern Laboratories to Encourage Scientific Learning
The inauguration of the three facilities marks an important development for students at Koshal School. The laboratories are designed to make education more interactive and help learners connect classroom lessons with practical applications.
Addressing students, teachers and other attendees, Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati stressed that every child deserves the chance to discover and develop their abilities. He said talent can emerge from any community and that educational opportunities should be available to students regardless of their economic circumstances or place of residence.
The Governor expressed confidence that the newly established facilities would encourage students to ask questions, experiment with ideas and develop an interest in scientific research. He also urged them to approach their studies with curiosity, determination and a willingness to learn new skills.
According to the Governor’s message, educational institutions must do more than deliver textbook knowledge. They should also create an environment in which students can explore their interests, understand real-world problems and develop the confidence to pursue ambitious goals.
STEM Lab to Connect Classroom Lessons With Practical Experience
The Boeing Sukanya STEM Lab is expected to support learning in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These subjects form the foundation for numerous professional fields, including engineering, research, computing, manufacturing and advanced technological development.
Practical activities in a STEM laboratory can help students understand scientific principles through observation, experimentation and problem-solving. Instead of relying exclusively on theoretical explanations, learners can explore how concepts work in real situations.
For rural students, access to such facilities may provide an opportunity to develop technical confidence at an early stage of their education. It can also help teachers introduce more engaging learning methods and encourage students to consider careers that they might not previously have explored.
The Governor emphasised the importance of ensuring that girls receive equal encouragement to study scientific subjects. He expressed the hope that the new facilities would help students recognise their potential and prepare themselves for opportunities in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Aeromodelling Centre to Introduce Students to Aviation
The newly inaugurated Aeromodelling Training Centre is another important component of the school’s science education initiative. Aeromodelling introduces learners to the basic principles involved in designing, constructing and understanding model aircraft.
Through structured training, students can become familiar with concepts related to flight, aerodynamics, engineering design and the operation of aircraft models. Such activities can also strengthen practical skills, teamwork, creativity and analytical thinking.
Exposure to aeromodelling may encourage students to learn more about aviation, aerospace engineering and related technical professions. It can provide an early introduction to subjects that are relevant to aircraft design, flight technology and engineering research.
The Governor noted that initiatives of this kind could help young learners explore emerging career opportunities. He encouraged students to make effective use of the available resources and develop the knowledge needed to pursue their ambitions.
Artificial Intelligence Education for the Next Generation
Artificial intelligence has become an increasingly important part of modern life, influencing areas such as healthcare, agriculture, communication, education, transport and industrial production.
The AI Lab at Koshal School is intended to familiarise students with this rapidly developing field. Early exposure to artificial intelligence can help learners understand the role of technology in solving problems and improving the way people work and communicate.
Learning about AI can also encourage students to develop logical reasoning, computational thinking and an understanding of how digital systems process information. These abilities are becoming increasingly valuable across a wide range of occupations.
However, meaningful technology education requires more than access to equipment. Students also need suitable teaching support, opportunities for regular practice and guidance on using digital tools responsibly. Continued attention to these areas will be important in ensuring that the new laboratory contributes to long-term educational development.
The Governor’s message placed particular emphasis on preparing rural students for a future in which scientific knowledge and technological awareness are likely to play an increasingly significant role.
Bridging the Rural-Urban Education Gap
Access to advanced educational facilities remains an important issue in many rural communities. Students in remote areas may face difficulties obtaining specialised laboratory equipment, technical guidance and exposure to professional learning environments.
By introducing STEM, aeromodelling and AI facilities at Koshal School, the initiative seeks to broaden the educational opportunities available to students in western Odisha.
The Governor stressed that modern science education should not remain concentrated in major cities. Rural schools must also be equipped to help students develop the skills required to participate in India’s scientific, technological and economic progress.
He encouraged girls to think independently, strengthen their problem-solving abilities and pursue their ambitions without allowing social or geographical limitations to define their future.
The success of such initiatives will depend on how effectively the facilities are integrated into regular teaching. Consistent laboratory sessions, trained instructors, practical projects and opportunities to participate in science competitions could help students gain greater value from these resources.
Tribute to Koshal School’s Founder
During the programme, Governor Kambhampati paid tribute to the late Gannimani Ananda Rao, the founder and visionary chairman of Koshal School.
The Governor described Ananda Rao’s journey from a farming family to becoming a successful entrepreneur as an example of determination and perseverance. He recognised his contribution to social development and appreciated his efforts to expand educational opportunities in the region.
The school was also commended for its role in supporting academic achievement, encouraging participation in sports and promoting the overall development of students.
Educational institutions can have a lasting influence on communities by helping young people acquire knowledge, confidence and practical abilities. The Governor’s remarks underlined the importance of continuing the founder’s vision through initiatives that benefit future generations.
Several public representatives and school officials attended the inauguration. Those present included Bargarh MLA Ashwini Sarangi, Attabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahananda, Bhatli MLA Irashis Acharya, Boeing India CSR Head Praveena Y and school principal Ravi Narayan Behera.
Governor Celebrates Odisha-Andhra Pradesh Cultural Relations
Earlier in the day, the Governor attended the opening ceremony of the 23rd Koshal Andhra Cultural Association Festival in Attabira. The event provided an opportunity to celebrate the cultural relationship between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh and recognise the contribution of the Telugu-speaking community to western Odisha.
The Governor observed that many families from the Andhra community had settled in the region more than six decades ago. The Hirakud Dam project created livelihood opportunities that encouraged some families to establish their lives in western Odisha.
Over time, members of the community have maintained their Telugu language, customs and cultural traditions while developing close relationships with people in their adopted region.
The Governor praised the cultural association for organising activities that help preserve traditions and promote understanding between communities. Celebrations such as Ugadi and Sankranti provide opportunities for families to pass cultural knowledge to younger generations and maintain a connection with their heritage.
He also recognised the role of women in preserving traditional practices, strengthening family and community relationships, and ensuring that younger people remain connected with their cultural roots.
Proposed Venkateswara Temple and Future Cooperation
Speaking about the proposed Sri Venkateswara Temple, the Governor expressed the view that it could eventually become a centre for religious activities, cultural programmes, education and social service.
He encouraged young people to value their Telugu heritage while remaining open to scientific advancement and technological innovation. In his view, cultural identity and modern education can complement one another, helping communities preserve their traditions while preparing for future opportunities.
The Governor also called for stronger cooperation between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in areas such as education, industry, sports and cultural activities. Greater collaboration in these fields could create opportunities for knowledge-sharing, community engagement and regional development.
Education and Culture as Foundations for Progress
The inauguration of the new laboratories at Koshal School and the cultural festival in Attabira reflected two complementary aspects of community development: expanding access to modern knowledge and protecting cultural heritage.
For rural students, particularly girls, access to practical science education can help build confidence and open pathways towards future careers. At the same time, cultural organisations play an important role in maintaining traditions and strengthening relationships among communities.
The long-term impact of the new facilities will depend on sustained educational support, effective training and students’ opportunities to apply what they learn. If these resources are used consistently, they could help create a stronger foundation for scientific curiosity and technological awareness among young learners in western Odisha.
The Governor’s message was clear: every student should have the opportunity to learn, innovate and succeed, while communities should continue to value the traditions that connect generations. By combining educational development with cultural cooperation, Odisha can work towards a future in which opportunity, inclusion and innovation reach a wider section of society.