India has achieved a historic milestone at the 21st International Junior Science Olympiad (IJSO) held in Bucharest, Romania, from December 2 to 11, 2024. The Indian contingent secured six gold medals, emerging as the best-performing nation among participants from 57 countries.
The IJSO is a prestigious annual competition that challenges students under the age of 16 in the disciplines of Physics, Chemistry, and Biology through rigorous theoretical and experimental examinations. The top 10% of participants are awarded gold medals, making India’s clean sweep of six golds a remarkable feat.
List of Indian Gold Medalists at IJSO 2024:
- Swetank Aggarwal
- Bhavyaa Gunwal
- Jinansh Shah
- Manas Goel
- Harshit Singla
- Pranit Mathur
The selection and training of these exceptional students were overseen by the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT), an organisation dedicated to promoting excellence in science education across the country.
A felicitation ceremony was organised on December 13, 2024, at Vidyavardhaka Sangha in Rajajinagar to honor the students and their mentors. The event was graced by Professor Anil Kumar, Dean of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), as the chief guest. Other dignitaries included Professor Ahluwalia, President of IAPT, Professor Dwarakanath, Chairman of Vidyavardhaka Sangha, and Professor Lakshminarasu, Vice Chairperson.
Educational institutions played a significant role in nurturing these young talents. Notably, students from Narayana Educational Institutions, including Bhavyaa Gunwal and Shwetank Agrawal, contributed to the gold tally. Dr. P. Sindhura, Director of Narayana Educational Institutions, expressed pride in their achievements, stating, “Our students have once again exemplified what dedication, hard work, and the right guidance can achieve.”
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Similarly, four students from Allen Career Institute were among the gold medalists, highlighting the institute’s commitment to academic excellence. A spokesperson from Allen stated, “With six gold medals, India has secured the top position among 57 participating countries.”
The Indian govenment’s support and investment in science education have been instrumental in this success. By providing resources and opportunities for young scientists, the government aims to foster innovation and maintain India’s competitive edge in the global scientific community.
The IJSO was established in 2004 and has since become a platform for young students worldwide to showcase their scientific prowess. India’s consistent participation and success in the Olympiad underscore the country’s dedication to cultivating a strong foundation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
This unprecedented achievement not only brings honor to the nation but also inspires future generations of Indian students to pursue excellence in the sciences. The collective efforts of students, educators, and institutions have set a new benchmark in the realm of international academic competitions.
