Bhubaneswar: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Saturday inaugurated Boeing Sukanya Program STEM labs in government schools in Odisha, saying the labs are a crucial step in preparing our youth, especially our daughters—for these future opportunities
Speaking at the annual function “Jyotirgamaya” of the historic Chandrasekhar Behera (CSB) District School in Sambalpur on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, Pradhan said the initiative goes beyond being a conventional science laboratory and will serve as a powerful platform for nurturing scientific thinking and aspiration among girls. The labs set up in Sambalpur, Rairakhol, and Kuchinda districts are expected to benefit more than 3,000 students annually, with additional labs to be added.
The minister virtually inaugurated the Boeing Sukanya Programme STEM Labs at three locations – CSB District High School, Gaurachandra High School, Redhakhol, and Government High School, Kuchinda, according to an official statement. He said the launch marks the beginning of Odisha’s first Boeing STEM Lab, with Sambalpur selected for the initial phase.
According to Pradhan, the labs will offer hands-on learning in science and aerospace-related subjects, providing foundational exposure required for careers such as aviation and piloting. He said the initiative would help spark innovation and critical thinking, particularly among female students.
Highlighting future opportunities, the minister stated that India is expected to have nearly 15,000 aircraft in operation over the next decade, creating significant demand for pilots, engineers, and designers. He described the STEM labs as a milestone in strengthening technical education and preparing students for the challenges of the 21st century.
Pradhan also cited the life of former President and renowned scientist A.P.J. Abdul Kalam as an example, stressing the importance of conceptual clarity and critical thinking. He emphasised teaching science and other subjects in the mother tongue to strengthen foundational learning.
The minister said the National Education Policy is being effectively implemented in Odisha and announced that new textbooks for Classes I to VIII will be introduced from the 2026–27 academic year. These textbooks will be based on the Odisha State Curriculum Framework.
He added that around 1.67 lakh teachers in the State are being trained in the new curriculum through AI-enabled programmes, with support from NCERT and IIT Madras. Pradhan also said efforts are underway to strengthen mother-tongue-based education up to Class V to ensure a strong learning foundation for children.
Launched in 2024, the Boeing Sukanya Programme is being implemented in partnership with the Learning Links Foundation, a Boeing Global Engagement nonprofit partner for education and skilling initiatives in India, with a focus on boosting women’s participation in the aviation sector through education, skill development and scholarship support.
With the launch of the Odisha facilities, a total of 32 Boeing Sukanya STEM labs are now operational across India, collectively reaching nearly 20,000 students every year.
