Bhubaneswar: Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Sunday inaugurated the Boeing Sukanya STEM Lab, Aeromodelling Training Centre and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab at Kosal Vidhyalaya in Nuakhaiirpali village of Baragada district, emphasising the need to empower rural girls through scientific education and technological innovation.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor said talent should never be limited by circumstances and that every girl student must be given an opportunity to realise her full potential.
He expressed confidence that the newly inaugurated facilities would foster curiosity, research and innovation among students and help them translate their aspirations in science and technology into reality.
The STEM Lab will promote hands-on learning in science and mathematics, while the Aeromodelling Training Centre will familiarise students with aviation, aircraft design and engineering. The AI Lab will introduce them to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence.
The Governor said the facilities would open up new opportunities for students in fields such as aviation, robotics and artificial intelligence.
Highlighting the need to extend modern, science-based education beyond urban centres, Kambhampati said such initiatives would help bridge the gap between talent and opportunities, particularly in western Odisha.
He urged students, especially girls, to dream big, develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills, and make effective use of the facilities available to them.
The Governor also paid tribute to the late Gammani Ananda Rao, the founder and chairman of the school. He described Ananda Rao’s journey from a farming family to becoming a successful entrepreneur, along with his contributions to societal development, as inspiring.
Kambhampati appreciated the school’s efforts to expand access to education in rural areas, promote academic excellence, encourage sports and ensure the all-round development of students.
The programme was attended by Baragada MLA Ashwini Kumar Sarangi, Attabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahanand, Bhatli MLA Irasis Acharya, Boeing India CSR Head Praveena Yagnambhat and school Principal Ravi Narayan Behera.
Governor highlights cultural ties between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh
Earlier in the day, the Governor attended the inaugural ceremony of the 23rd Kosal Andhra Cultural Association in Attabira, where he highlighted the importance of cultural harmony, mutual respect and strengthening ties between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
He observed that many families from the Andhra community had settled in western Odisha more than six decades ago, with the Hirakud Dam project opening up new livelihood opportunities for them.
Over the years, the community has preserved its Telugu language, traditions and culture while building close relationships with the local population, he said.
The Governor appreciated the Association’s role in promoting cultural exchange and strengthening intergenerational bonds through festivals such as Ugadi and Sankranti.
He also acknowledged the contribution of women in preserving traditions, connecting younger generations with their cultural heritage and enriching community life.
Referring to the proposed Sri Venkateswara Temple, Kambhampati said it could emerge as a major centre of devotion, culture, education and social service.
He encouraged young people to take pride in their Telugu heritage while embracing technological knowledge and innovation. He also called for greater cooperation between Odisha and Andhra Pradesh in education, entrepreneurship, sports and cultural activities.
The cultural programme was attended by Attabira MLA Nihar Ranjan Mahanand and Fluentgrid CEO Murali Krishna Gannamani.
