Bargarh, Odisha: The Governor of Odisha, Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, on October 12 inaugurated a Boeing Sukanya Programme STEM lab and Aeromodelling Training Centre at The Kosala School in Bargarh district, Odisha. The facility will benefit more than 2,000 students annually.
The Governor was joined by Nihar Ranjan Mahanand, MLA, Attabira; Irasis Acharya, MLA, Bhatli; Aswini Sarangi, MLA, Bargarh; Aditya Goyal, IAS, Collector and District Magistrate, Bargarh; Murali Krishna Gannamani, Chairman, The Kosala School; the school principal; teachers; students; and leaders from Boeing and the Learning Links Foundation at the inauguration ceremony. The Governor toured the facility and interacted with students at a student innovation showcase, where students demonstrated projects, prototypes, and aeromodelling flight activities.
“Our vision is to continue to expand access to quality STEM education where it has not reached before,” said Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati, Governor of Odisha. “The Boeing Sukanya Programme STEM lab and Aeromodelling Training Centre at The Kosala School will help nurture a scientific temper that will inspire students to be part of India’s burgeoning technology industry.”
Salil Gupte, President, Boeing India and South Asia, said, “We are honoured that the Governor personally dedicated the STEM lab and the aeromodelling facility to the children of Bargarh. Both initiatives will provide an opportunity for Bargarh children to dream big and aspire to careers in Indian aviation and STEM.”
Murali Krishna Gannamani, CEO and MD, Fluentgrid Ltd. and Chairman of The Kosala School, said, “We are incredibly proud to host this facility at The Kosala School. Established in 1979, The Kosala School is a not-for-profit institution, affiliated to CBSE and one of the first Residential Schools in Western Odisha. Partnering with Boeing and Learning Links Foundation allows us to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunities and practical exposure beyond traditional textbooks. The Hon’ble Governor’s presence is doubly inspiring, and we sincerely thank him for making this launch a truly special occasion for all of us.”
Ananda Cityzen, the CSR wing of Fluentgrid Ltd., has partnered with the Boeing Sukanya Programme to set up this STEM lab and Aeromodelling Centre. Ananda Cityzen has also added an AI lab to the facility. Together, these facilities will offer students of The Kosala School and surrounding schools the opportunity to learn, experience and experiment with STEM, aerospace, and AI concepts.
The newly inaugurated learning spaces feature:
- The Boeing Sukanya Programme STEM lab: A space enabling students to explore robotics, physical computing, electronics, artificial intelligence, rapid prototyping, and aerospace concepts.
- The Aeromodelling Training Centre: A centre focused on teaching the practical mechanics of aviation, aerodynamics, aircraft design, flight, and model aircraft construction.
The Boeing Sukanya Programme is implemented in partnership with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), a Boeing Global Engagement nonprofit partner for education and skilling initiatives in India. Earlier in January this year, the Boeing Sukanya Programme STEM labs were inaugurated in the Sambalpur, Rairakhol, and Kuchinda districts of Odisha.
Dr Anjlee Prakash, Chairperson, Learning Links Foundation, said, “We are proud to collaborate with Boeing to bring immersive, hands-on STEM learning to students in Odisha. By creating spaces where young people can explore, question, and experiment, these labs are nurturing curiosity and confidence while strengthening teachers and the broader school ecosystem. Our shared ambition is to inspire more students, especially girls, to see themselves as innovators and pursue pathways to STEM careers.”
Launched in 2024 by Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, the Boeing Sukanya Programme aligns with India’s vision to increase women’s participation in aviation. As part of the programme, Boeing and LLF continue to establish STEM labs in government schools across India. The programme also offers scholarships to girls to pursue their dream of becoming pilots, helping build a strong talent pipeline to increase women’s participation in India’s aviation growth.
