Odisha’s Pride in Japan: Four Meritorious Students Represent India in Sakura Science High School Program

Bhubaneswar, June 2026: It is a matter of pride for Odisha’s school education sector that four meritorious students from the state have brought recognition to Odisha as well as the entire country at the international level. Representing India in the prestigious Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP) 2026, organized by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), four students from Odisha have successfully completed their ten-day visit to Japan (May 21–31, 2026) and returned to India.

The distinguished students from Odisha who participated in the program are:

1. Bishnu Prasad Jena – BJB JSS, Bhubaneswar (Khordha)
2. Shubham Nayak – Government High School, Koraput
3. Shraddhanjali Pattnaik – Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Oriya, Telkoi (Keonjhar)
4. Adyasha Panda – Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Rengali (Sambalpur)

During their visit to Japan, the students toured the renowned Japanese cities of Tsukuba and Asakusa and actively participated in various academic and cultural exchange programs organized at the Shibaura Institute of Technology and Kashiwa Junior and Senior High School.

Through this program, the selected students from Odisha received a unique opportunity to visit some of Japan’s top universities and leading research institutions. They also attended lectures delivered by Nobel Prize winners and distinguished professors and gained first-hand exposure to Japan’s rich culture and advanced scientific and technological achievements.

The Sakura Science High School Program is a special international initiative under which the Japan Science and Technology Agency invites talented high school students from Asian countries to Japan for approximately one week. Under this program, eligible students from India studying in Classes 10, 11, and 12 and aged above 15 years are selected and given an opportunity to experience Japan’s advanced science and technology ecosystem.

The achievement of these four students has brought pride to the entire state of Odisha and is expected to inspire many other young learners and future scientists from the state to pursue excellence in science and innovation.

The School and Mass Education Department has extended its heartfelt congratulations to all the successful students and wished them a bright and prosperous future.

Anisha Kar