Sambalpur, June 12: More than 150 students from all over the district attended a seminar on career counselling organised at Nariseva Sadan here. The objective of the seminar was to orient the students who have cleared their Plus Two examinations with various career opportunities.

The students interacted with 15 mentors who guided them on the courses they could opt for. “The mentors voluntarily attended the session. Further, each mentor or counsellor would take the responsibility of 15 students and give career guidance to them,” said Abhiram Panigrahi, secretary of Sambalpur Integrated Development Institute, which organised the seminar.

“The seminars are quite helpful for us. The organisation has come forward to support me for three more years as I secured a first division in my Plus Two examination,” said Rupa Oram, a student who participated in the seminar.

“Through this seminar, I got the opportunity to interact with experts. I learnt a lot of things and they also guided me regarding my career choices. I have passed my Plus Two examination in first division. I was in need of guidance from experts,” said another participant in the seminar.

“The organisation has been providing financial support to my daughter for the last two years. They even conduct seminars and workshops where the students learn a lot of new things. My financial background would not have allowed me arrange such kind of classes for my daughter. But I am happy that my daughter has been included in this programme,” said Rajendra Sahu, father of a student who participated the seminar.

This counselling seminar was first organised in 2009. “We have been working with the students for last two years. Our motive is to help the poor, but talented students in the district. Through a written test and viva voce, we selected around 100 students. And we have been supporting these students financially, and offering guidance as well,” said Panigrahi. In 2010, another 100 students were included under this counselling session. Twinkle Panda, programme coordinator said: “We generally include the students who are academically motivated but economically deprived. We provide them financial support for three to five years and organise seminars where they get the opportunity to understand the wide scope of career choices.”