The Birla Industrial & Technological Museum (BITM), which operates under the National Council of Science Museums (NCSM) within the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India, organized a Press Meet and Interactive Session with India’s medal-winning team from the 4th International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA Jr. 2025) on October 28, 2025, at BITM, Kolkata.
The International Olympiad on Astronomy and Astrophysics for Juniors (IOAA Jr.), which took place this year in Piatra Neamt, Romania, from October 18 to 25, 2025, is a distinguished global competition aimed at introducing early high school students to the marvels of the universe while fostering young talent in the fields of astronomy and astrophysics. With participation from 23 countries, India’s team achieved remarkable success, bringing pride to the nation.
This year’s Indian contingent showcased exceptional performances:
• Gold Medals: Nishit Kalani (Narayana E-Techno School, Rajasthan) and Aaron Thakkar (Swami Vivekanand High School, Maharashtra)
• Silver Medal: Swara Srujal Patel (School of Excellence, Gujarat)
The NCSM, serving as India’s Authorized National Representative (Astronomical) Organization (ANRAO), is tasked with organizing the Junior Astronomy Olympiad Programme and selecting the national team through the Indian National Junior Astronomy Olympiad (INJAO). From a pool of 20 shortlisted students, three were chosen following a rigorous Orientation-cum-Selection Camp (OCSC) conducted at BITM, Kolkata, during May–June 2025, which emphasized both theoretical and observational astronomy training.
At IOAA Jr. 2025, the Indian delegation was led by Mr. Shaik Rafi, Curator of the National Science Centre in Delhi, and Dr. Rakesh Mazumder, Curator of BITM, Kolkata, both of whom served as Team Leaders.
