26th Odisha Science & Environment Congress and SGF-2025 Inaugurated at KIIT

The 26th Odisha Science and Environment Congress and the first International Conference on Science and Technology Innovation for Sustainable Green Frontiers (SGF-2025) kicked off at KIIT University on Friday, marking a significant step toward promoting scientific and environmental research.

KIIT Announces ₹1 Lakh Annual Award for Chemists

Inaugurating the event, KIIT & KISS Founder Dr. Achyuta Samanta announced a new ₹1 lakh annual award to honour a distinguished chemist every year for their lifetime contribution to Chemistry.
This initiative aims to encourage excellence and innovation in the field.

Joint Initiative to Promote Sustainability and SDGs

The conference, jointly organised by the Odisha Environment Society (OES) and KIIT University, will run until November 30.
With the theme “Science and Technology Innovation”, the event focuses on how scientific advancements can help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and address emerging environmental challenges.

Distinguished Guests Attend Inaugural Ceremony

Several eminent dignitaries graced the inauguration, including:

• Dr. Arun Kumar Rath, Former Secretary to the Government of India

• Prof. T. K. Bastia, Director General (ECS), DRDO Bengaluru

• Prof. S. N. Kundu, Coordinator, Odisha Environment Society

• Jayakrishna Panigrahi, President, OES

• Prof. Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT Deemed to be University

Their presence underscored the growing recognition of Odisha’s role in scientific and environmental initiatives.

Participation of Over 450 Delegates

More than 450 delegates from Odisha and other states participated in the event, reflecting the Congress’s expanding national prominence and its impact on scientific discourse.

Speakers Highlight Importance of SDGs

Resource persons and speakers discussed the global evolution of the SDGs from 2016 to 2030, emphasizing the central role of science and technology in achieving sustainability, mitigating climate challenges, and shaping greener futures.

Eminent Scientists Felicitated

As part of the inauguration, several distinguished scientists were honoured for their outstanding contributions:

• Professor Lambdar Prasad Singh, Physicist

• Padma Shri Professor Aditya Prasad Dash, Biologist

• Professor Vinod Chandra Chowdhury, Environmental Scientist

• Dr. Vinay Kumar Das, Mechanical Scientist

Their recognition celebrated decades of impactful research and innovation.

Jayakrishna Panigrahi Honoured for Long-standing Service

Dr. Jayakrishna Panigrahi received special recognition for completing 15 years of dedicated service as the Convener of the Odisha Science and Environment Congress, acknowledging his significant role in shaping the event’s legacy.