Delegates display posters of Young Astronomer Talent Search event in Bhubaneswar on Wednesday.

The astronomer talent search programme was launched at the state secretariat. The event provides aspiring astronomers an opportunity to visit the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) and create awareness on space science and astronomy.

The theme for this year's event is India's contribution to space science. The science and technology department secretary VV Yadav said: "We aim to reach out to more number of rural students as science and technology know no barrier of language, location or region."

The format of the competition consists of an essay competition for students of classes IX and X and an open quiz on space science for students of classes VII and VIII. The theme has been decided to celebrate the strides India has made, especially in the areas of space science and astronomy.

Text by Anwesha AmbalyPicture by Ashwinee Pati