Scientists, Teachers and Students Join Padayatra for Science in Bhubaneswar

Scientists, Teachers and Students Join Padayatra for Science in Bhubaneswar

CNB World Times

Bhubaneswar, 23^rd August, 2025: A large number of students, teachers, professors, scientists and science enthusiasts took part in a Padayatra for Science – 2025 in Bhubaneswar today, voicing concern over environmental pollution, climate change, and the growing spread of unscientific thinking and superstition.

The march was organized as part of the All India Padayatra for Science – 2025, being held across the country from August 16 to 24. In Bhubaneswar, participants marched from Unit-9 Anand Bazaar Chowk to Science Park Chowk, where a public meeting was held. The gathering aimed to raise awareness on issues such as eliminating superstition and prejudice, excluding unscientific content from the curriculum, and ensuring greater allocation of funds for science education and research in central and state budgets.

The meeting was chaired by Engineer Srinivas Das and attended by eminent personalities including former Deputy Director of Pathani Samanta Planetarium Subhendu Patnaik, retired Professor of Institute of Physics Dr. Ajit Srivastaka, retired Senior Scientist of CIFAR, Dr. Kanta Das Mohapatra, and retired Engineer of Water Resources Department Dr. Akshay Das.

In their addresses, the speakers expressed concern that even as science achieves new milestones, unscientific trends and superstitions—such as witchcraft, sorcery, planetary rituals, and storm-related beliefs—still persist in society. They also warned that the misuse of science is contributing to rising environmental pollution and abnormal climate changes, posing serious threats to human survival.

Following the meeting, students attended a special educational show at the Pathani Samanta Planetarium. The Bhubaneswar chapter of Vigyan Chetana Manch, led by Saptarshini Raul, Sunita Panigrahi, Payosini Priyadarsani, and Vinod Mahato, organized the day-long events.