Bhubaneswar: In a significant initiative to promote scientific learning among tribal students, five meritorious Class X students from Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) in Odisha participated in a two-day Semiconductor Training Programme at the Centre for Nano Science and Engineering (CeNSE), Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru.
Organised under the STEM Initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the programme aimed to provide talented EMRS students with first-hand exposure to semiconductor technology, advanced research facilities, clean-room operations, and emerging career opportunities in science and engineering.
The participating students were Prabin Kumar Naik and Geetanjali Mahanta from EMRS Gidhibas, Dusmanta Majhi from EMRS Bahalda, and Hiramani Baskey and Fulamani Singh from EMRS Dhanghera. They were accompanied by Debasmita Priyadarshini Behera of EMRS Gidhibas as the escort teacher.
During the two-day programme, the students underwent orientation sessions on semiconductor technology, wafer processing, contamination control, and clean-room safety. They also visited state-of-the-art Optics, Electrical, Mechanical, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) laboratories, gaining practical insights into advanced research infrastructure and scientific instrumentation.
The participants were introduced to semiconductor fabrication processes, precision manufacturing techniques, and safety protocols. The sessions also highlighted the strategic importance of semiconductors in India’s technological advancement and growing electronics ecosystem.
A dedicated career guidance and counselling session encouraged the students to pursue higher education and explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and research. The programme concluded with the distribution of participation certificates.
The exposure to one of the country’s premier research institutions is expected to broaden the students’ scientific outlook and inspire them to pursue careers in emerging fields such as semiconductors, nanotechnology, electronics, and advanced research. The initiative reflects the Ministry of Tribal Affairs’ commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to engage with cutting-edge science and technology.
