The AICTE IDEA Lab at Odisha University of Technology and Research (OUTR) in Bhubaneswar recently organized a week-long skilling workshop designed to promote innovation, practical learning, and technological creativity among participants. The workshop brought together faculty members and learners for hands-on sessions, demonstrations, and collaborative activities aimed at providing practical exposure to emerging technologies and innovation-driven problem-solving.
Workshop Leadership and Objectives
The program was conducted under the guidance of Professor Pramod Kumar Parida, chief mentor of the AICTE IDEA Lab, and coordinated by faculty members Ranjan Kumar Jena and Dipak Ranjan Swain. Aligned with the objectives of the AICTE IDEA (Idea Development, Evaluation, and Application) lab scheme, the workshop promoted a ‘learning by doing’ approach, enabling participants to move beyond classroom theory and gain practical experience in applying technology to real-world challenges.
Through interactive sessions and demonstrations, attendees were introduced to the process of transforming ideas into innovative solutions and prototypes. The workshop also provided an opportunity for participants to familiarize themselves with the advanced facilities available at the IDEA Lab and exchange ideas with peers and faculty members.
Ravenshaw Student Secures FinTech Analyst Role
Rahul Lal Kiran, a student of economics at Ravenshaw University, has secured a position as an analyst at Vayana, a leading fintech company, with an annual compensation package of Rs 6.42 lakh. Rahul, currently pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Economics, landed the opportunity after participating in the Black Swan Summit 2026 job fair, demonstrating the growing impact of industry-linked skill development programs in the state.
The achievement has been attributed to the higher education department’s collaborative efforts with the Singapore-based Global Finance & Technology Network and the implementation of the certificate in fintech innovation program. The initiative aims to equip students with industry-relevant skills, global exposure, and practical knowledge in financial technology, enabling them to compete in national and international job markets. Higher Education Minister Suryabanshi Suraj congratulated Rahul on his achievement and wished him continued success in his professional journey.
Hockey Tournament at Sainik School
Sainik School, Bhubaneswar, last week hosted the All India Sainik Schools Inter Group Hockey Tournament–2026, bringing together some of the country's most promising young hockey players from Sainik Schools across India. Ramanuj Narayan, director of CSIR-Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (IMMT), Bhubaneswar, who was the chief guest, formally declared the national-level tournament open. Addressing the participants, he extended his best wishes to all teams and encouraged them to uphold the spirit of sportsmanship and fair competition throughout the event.
A total of 24 Sainik Schools representing eight groups from different regions of the country took part in the tournament. The championship was held in three categories: Under-17 Girls, Under-17 Boys, and Under-15 Boys. The participating teams secured their berths after qualifying through the Intra-Group Hockey Tournament. The competition got underway with the opening match in the Under-15 Boys category between Sainik School Kazhakootam and Sainik School Purulia. Sainik School Purulia emerged victorious in the inaugural fixture, setting the stage for an exciting week of hockey action.
