Sri Vijaya Puram, May 22: Students from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have earned national recognition at the prestigious “Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan” (VVM) national-level science talent examination, with participants from the Islands securing top honours during the national camp held at Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar on May 16 and 17.
The competition, organised by Vijnana Bharati in collaboration with the National Council of Science Museums, saw participation from more than 450 students from across the country. Ten students from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were selected to participate in the national camp, where they underwent various scientific activities, assessments and evaluations.
Among the standout performers was Master Ishayu Tawkar, a Class VII student of Navy Children School Minnie Bay, who emerged as a National Winner in the Himalayan category. He was awarded a certificate, memento and a cash prize of Rs. 10,000 for his performance.
In addition to the national honour, Ishayu Tawkar will receive the Bhaskara Fellowship carrying a scholarship of Rs. 2,000 per month for one year. The fellowship will also provide him an opportunity to work under the guidance of eminent scientists at scientific institutions across the country.
The achievement has been viewed as a significant milestone for the Islands, particularly in the field of science education and student participation in national-level academic platforms. The Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan programme is regarded as one of the country’s prominent science talent examinations aimed at nurturing scientific aptitude among school students.
Further recognition came at the East Zonal level, where Master Hardik Chakravarty, a Class VI student of Vivekananda Kendra Vidyalaya Lambaline, secured the first position. Ms Bidisha Maiti, a Class IX student of Navy Children School Minnie Bay, secured the third position in the zonal category.
Both students were felicitated with certificates and mementoes for their performances during the competition and evaluation process conducted as part of the science camp.
The Vidyarthi Vigyan Manthan examination is designed to encourage interest in science, innovation and research among school students from Classes VI to XI. Participants are tested through multiple stages involving conceptual understanding, scientific reasoning and practical exposure.
The performance of students from the Islands at the national platform has drawn attention to the growing participation of Andaman and Nicobar students in academic and competitive programmes beyond the region. Educational institutions in the Islands have increasingly been encouraging students to participate in national talent examinations, Olympiads and scientific competitions.
Officials associated with the programme noted that the students demonstrated exceptional scientific aptitude and enthusiasm during the camp activities. The event also provided participants exposure to interaction with scientists, researchers and fellow students from different parts of the country.
The recognition earned by the students is expected to inspire greater participation among Island students in science-related academic initiatives and national competitions in the coming years. Teachers and institutions have also been highlighting the importance of such platforms in developing analytical thinking and research-oriented learning among school children.
The achievements at both national and zonal levels have added to the academic accomplishments of the Islands and brought visibility to young scientific talent emerging from the Andaman and Nicobar region.
