Bhubaneswar: Four meritorious students from Odisha have brought pride to the state by representing India at the prestigious ‘Sakura Science High School Programme (SSHP) 2026’ organised by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).
The students recently returned after successfully completing a 10-day educational visit to Japan from May 21 to May 31, during which they participated in academic and cultural exchange activities and gained exposure to advanced scientific learning.
The four students selected from Odisha for the programme are Bishnu Prasad Jena from BJB Junior Science College, Bhubaneswar; Shubham Nayak from Government High School, Koraput; Shraddhanjali Pattnaik from Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Telkoi in Keonjhar district; and Adyasha Panda from Odisha Adarsha Vidyalaya, Rengali in Sambalpur district.
During their visit, the students travelled to renowned Japanese cities including Tsukuba and Asakusa and actively participated in educational and cultural exchange programmes organised at the Shibaura Institute of Technology and Kashiwa Junior and Senior High School.
The programme offered the students a rare opportunity to visit leading universities and prominent research institutions in Japan. They also attended lectures by Nobel laureates and distinguished professors, gaining first-hand exposure to Japan’s scientific advancements, innovation ecosystem and cultural heritage.
The Sakura Science High School Programme is a specialised international initiative under which talented high school students from Asian countries are invited to Japan for short-term academic exposure in science and technology. From India, eligible students aged above 15 years studying in Classes 10, 11 and 12 are selected to participate in the programme.
The School and Mass Education Department described the achievement as a matter of pride for Odisha, stating that the success of the four students would inspire young learners and aspiring scientists across the state. The department also extended its congratulations and wished them success in their future academic pursuits.
