Soumyashree Thanapati from Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Jharmunda was declared the winner of the National Science Seminar 2026 organised by the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, at the National Science Centre, Delhi, on October 30, 2026.
Students from 34 States and Union Territories participated in the National Science Seminar and deliberated on the topic “Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges”. The seminar provided a platform for young students to explore India’s energy requirements, future energy prospects and the challenges associated with ensuring sustainable energy security.
A panel of distinguished experts, namely Dr. Sumanta Borthakur, Vice Principal and Associate Professor (Retd.), B. Borooah College, Guwahati; Dr. Sushama M. Giripunje, Professor, Physics Department, VNIT Nagpur; Dr. Manas Pratim Das, Programme Executive & Eminent Science Communicator, Akashvani, Kolkata; Prof. Pramod Kumar, Professor and Chairperson, Mechanical Engineering Department, Interdisciplinary Centre for Energy Research, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru; Prof. Anil Kumar, Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Delhi Technological University, Delhi, adjudged the following participants as the winner and runner-ups:
| Sl. No. | Name | State/UT | Rank |
| 1 | Soumyashree Thanapati | Odisha | Winner |
| 2 | Dibyanshi Parida | Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman & Diu | Runner Up |
| 3 | Sharvari Shridhar Bait | Maharashtra | Runner Up |
| 4 | Sameer Kumar | Bihar | Runner Up |
| 5 | Rishan Gupta | West Bengal | Runner Up |
| 6 | Shrabasti Bhattacharjee | Tripura | Runner Up |
| 7 | Navseerat Kaur | Chandigarh | Runner Up |
| 8 | Swara Paresh Patel | Gujarat | Runner Up |
| 9 | Rubu Daniel | Arunachal Pradesh | Runner Up |
| 10 | Akshat Kumar Mishra | Haryana | Runner Up |
The winner received a Winner Trophy, a Certificate and a Scholarship of Rs. 48,000. The other nine runner-ups received a Runner-up Trophy, a Certificate and a Scholarship of Rs. 24,000 each. A total amount of Rs. 2,64,000 was awarded as scholarships.
The seminar was inaugurated with the lighting of the lamp, followed by the inaugural address. Dr. Anil Kumar Jain, IAS, Chairperson, Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB), attended the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest, while Shri Rajnath Ram, Adviser (Energy), NITI Aayog, attended as the Guest of Honour.
K. S. Murali, Director General, National Council of Science Museums, said, “The National Science Seminar has been inspiring school students across the country since 1982 to develop scientific temper, critical thinking and effective communication skills. The theme ‘Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges’ encourages young minds to understand the importance of energy security, technological innovation and sustainable development in shaping India’s future. Through this initiative, NCSM remains committed to nurturing scientific curiosity and empowering the next generation to engage with the scientific and technological challenges facing the nation.”
Vijay Shanker Sharma, Director, National Science Centre, Delhi, said, “Hosting the National Science Seminar 2026 is an opportunity to bring together talented young students from across the country to share their ideas and perspectives on an issue of national importance. The theme ‘Indian Energy Basket 2047: Prospects and Challenges’ encourages students to explore emerging energy technologies, renewable energy sources and the need for responsible energy consumption. I hope this experience inspires the participants to remain curious, think innovatively and contribute towards a sustainable energy future for India.”
The valedictory session was held on the same day, with Prof. Avinash Chandra Pandey, Director, Inter-University Accelerator Centre (IUAC), New Delhi, attending as the Chief Guest and Ajay Kumar Saxena, Senior Director, Electricity and Renewables, The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI), New Delhi, attending as the Guest of Honour.
The National Science Seminar 2026 highlighted the importance of encouraging scientific inquiry and informed discussion among school students on issues of national significance. The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Shri Moinuddin Ansari, Principal Curator, National Science Centre, Delhi.
