The Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search (JBNSTS) celebrated its 66th annual awards ceremony with great enthusiasm on Saturday at the historic Derozio Hall within Presidency University in Kolkata. This prestigious event saw the recognition of an impressive 400 students from across West Bengal, selected from a highly competitive pool of more than 15,000 aspirants. Each of these talented individuals was honored with scholarships and a valuable book grant, marking a significant milestone in their academic journeys.
Identifying Excellence Through Rigorous Testing
The selection process for these awards is notably thorough and multifaceted. Students were evaluated through a unique series of examinations designed to identify exceptional talent in science. These tests included the Senior Talent Search Test, the Junior Talent Search Test, the Senior Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti, and the Junior Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti. Through these rigorous assessments, the students were distinguished as JBNSTS scholars and awardees, showcasing their potential in scientific disciplines.
Special Recognition for Top Performers
In a special highlight of the ceremony, the top 10 boys and the top 10 girls were felicitated with laptops, providing them with essential tools to further their studies and research. This gesture underscores JBNSTS's commitment to supporting and nurturing young scientific minds with practical resources.
Inspiring STEM Education in West Bengal
A press statement released by JBNSTS emphasized the critical role of this program in the context of West Bengal's educational landscape. It noted, "Considering the lower enrolment in several disciplines of science at high school and undergraduate levels in West Bengal, this glorious programme serves as an inspiration for all the incumbents to attain excellence in STEM education and research." This statement highlights how JBNSTS aims to motivate students to pursue and excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields, addressing regional challenges in science education.
Schools Honored for Their Contributions
The ceremony also recognized several schools for their outstanding performance and support in nurturing scientific talent. The best schools declared in various categories were:
- Delhi Public School, Ruby Park in the Junior Scholarship category.
- Aligunj Rishi Rajnarayan Balika Vidyalaya in the Junior Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti category.
- South Point High School, Kolkata and Bardhaman Municipal High School in the senior scholarship programme.
- Delhi Public School, Ruby Park again in the Senior Bigyani Kanya Medha Britti category.
These recognitions celebrate the institutions' efforts in fostering a conducive environment for science education.
Government Support and Attendance
The event was graced by the presence of Ujjal Biswas, the Minister of Science & Technology and Biotechnology, who attended to show his support for the initiative. His participation underscores the government's commitment to promoting science and technology education in the state, aligning with JBNSTS's mission to inspire future generations of scientists and researchers.
