Odia science books introduced for higher secondary students

Bhubaneswar: In tune with the school and mass education department’s decision to promote mother-tongue learning, the Institute of Odia Studies and Research (IOSR) has prepared Odia-medium science textbooks for Classes XI and XII under the state board curriculum. The initiative aims to encourage more students to pursue science education in Odia, particularly those from govt schools who study in the mother tongue till Class X.The department has recently begun distributing the Odia language science textbooks in physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics to libraries of nearly 700 higher secondary schools across the state through district education officers.Earlier, school and mass education minister Nityananda Gond stressed the need for Odia books for higher secondary science courses to make learning easier for students transitioning from Odia-medium schools. Following this, the department entrusted IOSR with preparing the textbooks in all four science subjects.Speaking to mediapersons on Wednesday, IOSR project director Bijay Pradhan said though around 5.5 lakh students study in Odia medium up to Class X every year, many hesitate to opt for science in higher secondary classes due to fear of English.“As a result, nearly 80,000 science seats remain vacant annually. To address this issue, the institute has now developed science textbooks for higher secondary students. It has already prepared Odia-medium engineering books earlier,” he said.IOSR member secretary Subrata Prusti said students can now choose science as their first preference during Class XI admissions, which began on the SAMS portal on May 26.To familiarise teachers with the new textbooks, the institute has started special training programmes for principals and science teachers. Researchers and senior officials from IOSR are participating in district-level orientation sessions to explain the importance and usefulness of science education in Odia.The initiative has come at a time when national-level entrance examinations such as NEET and JEE are also being conducted in the Odia language. “We have additionally prepared chapter-wise video classes in Odia for all four science subjects for Classes XI and XII. These videos will be provided free of cost to students who wish to study science in Odia medium by IOSR,” Prusti said.He added that the digital content would help students understand science concepts in their mother tongue and pursue medical or engineering education without depending heavily on coaching centres.