First Biju Patnaik Scientific Excellence Award presented

Bhubaneswar, Dec 15 (UNI) Prof Deepika Mohanty was today awarded the first Biju Patnaik Scientific Excellence Award for her outstanding achievements in the field of Hematology.

Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik presented the award to Prof Mohanty at a function here in commemoration of the memory of the ''great son of Orissa.'' The award carries a cash reward of Rs two lakh, a shawl and a citation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Patnaik said, '' Biju Babu could see much ahead of his times and realised the importance of the Science and Technology for overall development of our society. '' The Chief Minister said science and technology continued to influence immensely the course of human civilisation, adding during the second half of the 20th century rapid development of science and technology had propelled economic growth and social development.

He said the science and technology system had to be infused with new vitality and competitive edge so that it could play a decisive and beneficial role in advancing the wellbeing of all sections.

UNI