Keonjhar’s Rising Star: Bhawani Bankula Wins Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search
Keonjhar (July 19, 2025) – In a moment of pride and jubilation for both her community and the state, 15‑year‑old Bhawani Bankula from Guali village, Keonjhar district, has been named one of the winners of the prestigious Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search (YATS) 2024. Bhawani’s remarkable achievement comes as a testament to her dedication, passion, and the inspiring support from her family and school.
Early Journey: From Guali to the Cosmos
Bhawani, a Class IX student at Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir in Katesahi, comes from a modest tribal household. The daughter of Harihar and Lilabati Bankula, her journey has been marked by curiosity and determination. Surrounded by forests and hills, Bhawani found her fascination with astronomy and space science early on, reading whatever material she could find and participating in science quizzes and local educational events.
A Stage to Shine: Excelling in YATS
The Tata Steel Young Astronomer Talent Search, launched in 2023, is a statewide initiative designed to unearth and nurture young astronomy enthusiasts. This multi-tiered competition includes classroom assessments, essay submissions, observational tests, and interviews with expert panels. Competing against hundreds of candidates from across Odisha, Bhawani’s outstanding performance propelled her into the final list of winners.
A Reward Beyond Recognition
As part of the reward, Bhawani embarked on an exclusive educational trip to Bengaluru from May 24 to May 28, 2025. The journey was a transformative experience:
- ISRO’s ISTRAC: At the Telemetry Tracking and Command Network, Bhawani observed real-time satellite communication operations. She witnessed experts tracking satellites and issuing commands, gaining insight into mission-critical workflows.
- UR Rao Satellite Centre (URSC): At India’s premier satellite design and fabrication facility, Bhawani toured cleanroom labs and testing bays. She saw satellite components being assembled, tested under rigorous conditions, and calibrated by engineers.
- Interactions With Experts: Meetings with ISRO scientists allowed Bhawani to ask probing questions about remote sensing, satellite orbits, launch vehicle integrations, and future mission plans. This direct interaction deepened her understanding and fueled her aspirations.
In her own words: “Seeing satellite development firsthand and engaging with scientists made space science tangible and exciting”.
Local and Broader Impact
Bhawani’s achievement resonates far beyond her own ambition. In Guali village, her success has become a beacon of hope, illustrating that geography and socio-economic background need not limit dreams. Teachers and community leaders have hailed her as a symbol of perseverance, intelligence, and positivity. At Saraswati Sishu Vidya Mandir, her success has injected fresh motivation into fellow students, many of whom are now exploring space clubs, science fairs, and astronomy camps.
On a state level, the Odisha government’s Department of School and Mass Education recognized Bhawani’s feat, urging more educational bodies to support science-driven initiatives for young learners, especially girls and tribal students.
Astronomy: A Growing Push in Odisha
The inclusion of students like Bhawani in YATS underscores the growing momentum of STEM education in Odisha. Over the past few years, projects such as the State Space Science Centre in Bhubaneswar, mobile science vans, and rural science festivals have gained traction. Tata Steel’s YATS has become a prominent avenue, offering students not just scholarships and gadgets—but real-world interactions with top-tier research institutions.
The Road Ahead: Bigger Dreams Beckon
Looking forward, Bhawani has expressed her intention to pursue astrophysics and satellite engineering. She plans to prepare rigorously for national-level science exams and hopes to secure admission into institutions such as the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) or Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS). Her dream is clear: to contribute to India’s space program and inspire future generations, especially in underrepresented communities.
Her parents, Harihar and Lilabati, spoke of their pride and emphasized their continued support. “We never thought one day she would visit ISRO and dream of working there,” said her father. “But today, anything seems possible.”
Conclusion: A Narrative of Inspiration
Bhawani Bankula’s rise from a small village in Odisha to the echelons of one of India’s most prestigious youth science programmes captures the transformative power of education, mentorship, and ambition. Her journey embodies the spirit of YATS: nurturing young minds to explore beyond horizons and shaping India’s scientific landscape.
As Bhawani looks to the future, her story serves as a powerful reminder that talent, when recognized and guided, can illuminate even the remotest corners. From Guali to Bengaluru, her trajectory is a testament to what determination and opportunity can achieve—and it’s only beginning.