In line with the school and mass education department's decision to promote mother-tongue learning, the Institute of Odia Studies and Research (IOSR) has prepared Odia-medium science textbooks for Classes XI and XII under the state board curriculum. This initiative aims to encourage more students, particularly those from government schools who study in their mother tongue until Class X, to pursue science education in Odia.
Distribution of Textbooks
The department has recently begun distributing Odia-language science textbooks in physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to libraries of nearly 700 higher secondary schools across the state through district education officers.
Background and Need
Earlier, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond emphasized the need for Odia books for higher secondary science courses to facilitate learning for students transitioning from Odia-medium schools. Following this, the department entrusted IOSR with preparing textbooks in all four science subjects.
Addressing the Fear of English
Speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday, IOSR Project Director Bijay Pradhan stated that although around 5.5 lakh students study in Odia medium up to Class X each year, many hesitate to opt for science in higher secondary classes due to a fear of English. As a result, nearly 80,000 science seats remain vacant annually. To address this issue, the institute has now developed science textbooks for higher secondary students. It had previously prepared Odia-medium engineering books.
Admissions and Teacher Training
IOSR Member Secretary Subrata Prusti noted that students can now choose science as their first preference during Class XI admissions, which began on the SAMS portal on May 26. To familiarize teachers with the new textbooks, the institute has started special training programs for principals and science teachers. Researchers and senior officials from IOSR are participating in district-level orientation sessions to explain the importance and usefulness of science education in Odia.
Digital Content and National Exams
The initiative coincides with national-level entrance examinations such as NEET and JEE being conducted in Odia. Prusti added that chapter-wise video classes in Odia for all four science subjects for Classes XI and XII have been prepared. These videos will be provided free of charge to students who wish to study science in Odia medium through IOSR. He emphasized that the digital content would help students understand science concepts in their mother tongue and pursue medical or engineering education without heavy reliance on coaching centers.
