YAJNA contest awards presented

: Awards for the YAJNA Contest, launched by Aeronautical Society of India in memory of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, were presented at a function held here today.
YAJNA is a new initiative by the Aeronautical Society of India's Thiruvananthapuram chapter envisioned as a fitting tribute to the memory of Kalam, who was also a renowned aerospace scientist.
It is envisaged as an Annual contest for school/college students to foster scientific temperament and innovation among the student community, a release said here. As many as 10 student teams presented project proposals having societal application and feasibility of implementation which are cost effective and amenable for indigenisation.

First three awards were won by the teams from St. Thomas College of Engineering and Technology, Chengannur, Marian Engineering College and Mar Baselios college of Engineering (both Thiruvanathapuram) respectively.
Former ISRO Chairman Dr. G. Madhavan Nair was the chief guest for the award ceremony.
Nair urged the student community to follow the ideals and ideas of Dr Kalam and also recalled his association with him during the developmental phase of rocket technology in India.
Dr. K Sivan, Director, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre presided over the meeting and reiterated the need for innovative thinking by youth for the future of nation.

S Somanath, Director LPSC, Dr V K Dhadwal, Director IIST and M V Dhekane, Director IISU offered felicitations, the release added.