Aswatha Narayan Felicitated, CM Announces Rs 10 Lakh Cash Award, Rs.5 Lakh for Coach

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today felicitated Odisha’s Gold Medalist at World Skills Competition held in Kazan, Russia S. Aswatha Narayan.

Commending the achievement of Aswatha at a special function organised at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister announced Rs.I 0 lakh cash award for him and Rs.5 lakh for his Coach Rajat Kumar Samantray.

The Chief Minister also announced Rs.5 crore assistance to CV Raman College of Engineering, where Aswatha is pursuing his B.Tech, for setting up Biju Patnaik Centre of Excellence.

The Chief Minister also felicitated the Chairman of CV Raman College of Engineering Dr. Sanjeeb Rout, Coach Rajat Kumar Samantray and two other participants Xenophone Das and Abinash Swain.

Congratulating Aswatha Narayan, the Chief Minister appreciated his immense talent and determined effort to compete with the best in the world and coming out as a champion.

The CM said, “You have truly become an icon for the millions of youngsters who are pursuing skills in various trades. This win at the global level is a reaffirmation of our commitment towards providing the best opportunities for the youth of Odisha in Skill Development”.

“I am delighted to announce an award Rs.5 crore to CV Raman Institute to set up Biju Patnaik Centre of Excellence, our Gold Medal winner a cash award of Rs.I0 lakh and Rs.5 lakh for the Coach who has helped make history. I appeal to all the youngsters of Odisha in ITI, Polytechnics and other skill institutions to participate in the forthcoming Odisha skills and subsequently India Skills and World skills in 2021”.

Among others, Odisha Skill Development Authority Chairman Subrato Bagehi, Minister for Skill Development and Technical Education Premananda Nayak, Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, Skill Development Commissioner-cum-Secretary Hemanta Sharma, Chairman of the CV Raman College of Engineering Dr. Sanjeeb Rout were present during the felicitation.

The 25-year old student, who has been trained under the ‘Skilled in Odisha’ programme, scripted history by becoming the first Indian to win gold at the mega competition. He bagged the gold in water technology competing against 11 countries. He was part of the 48 member team representing India at WorldSkills competition.