Bhubaneswar, Jan. 28: Budding researchers at the National Institute of Science Education and Research (Niser) have decided to discuss on topics that plague the society at their cultural fest Udbhava on February 1.

A panel discussion on the topic “Sexuality, gender and the legality of the Supreme Court verdict on section 377 of the Indian Penal Code” will be debated during their annual science-o-cultural festival.

“This year we decided that the Sapere Aude or the annual high-panel discussion should be on something current, socio-political and issues concerning the Indian society at large. This particular topic will discuss sexuality, gender and the legality of the Supreme Court verdict on section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and address the consequences of the judgment for sexual minorities. It will also help us try to figure out the way forward,” said Stephen Edward, one of the students.

“A lot of topics were suggested and discussed and finally we students felt that this was one that would interest all age groups especially the youths. It is definitely going to be a very interesting discussion,” said Edward.

The students are now busy getting prominent individuals from various walks of life for the show. The fest aims to brings together the schools and colleges of the city and beyond for a wide variety of competitions, said the one of the student organisers.

The panel discussion apart, Niser students and students from various colleges can be seen taking part in street dancing, fashion show (Glitz), algorithms solving competition (Think) and school science quiz competition.

Students from as many as 30 schools and about 50 institutes will take part.