Bhubaneswar, Oct. 24: School students from Odisha showcased 60 innovative models at the central government sponsored science competition at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi early this week.

From a green air conditioner to saving crops from elephant attacks, from special weighing machine for the blind to water harvesting set-ups, the exhibition had about 850 models on display from across the world. The event was organised to stimulate interest of students in science and technology. To encourage research among children, the department of science and technology started the project for students aged between 10 and 15.

Three projects from Odisha won the award at the event. Abhilash Pattjoshi from the Puri Zilla School and Sambit Saurav Pal from Kahimula High School in Maurbhanj bagged the second and the third prize, respectively, under the state category. The duo was awarded a cash prize of Rs 5,000 each. Sritish Kumar Hota of the Sarangdhara High School in Dhenkanal won the first prize under the state category in the competition for his project “modern thermal power plant”. He received a cash prize of Rs 10,000. All the participants received a cash prize of Rs 2,500 each. The department also awarded a special prize to Deepak Kumar Sia from Kalahandi district.

“Earlier, it was difficult for us to take part in these exhibitions as it involved expenses in terms of purchase of materials for the project and travel. But this time, the department gave us financial support in advance so that we could spend it on making models,” said Prakruti, a student.