Ottapalam: Rishikesh, who has been nurturing a scientific temper, was thrilled at the opportunity to participate in the National Science Seminar. Now, he has made everyone proud by grabbing the first prize in the prestigious competition.

Rishikesh, the son of Mayilupuram Puthiydathu P Jayagovind and K P Rajani represented the state at the National Science Seminar. A class nine student at the NSSKPT High School in Ottapalam, Rishikesh presented a thesis on Quantum science. 

36 students of classes 8 – 10, representing all the states and union territories in the country, presented papers at the National Science Seminar conducted at the National Council of Sciences Museum in Bengaluru.

The national competition was held after screenings in the sub-district, revenue district and state-level competitions. One student from each state and union territory could take part in the national-level competition. The students were judged based on an aptitude test, paper presentation and their performance in the Q&A session.

The winner got Rs 48,000 as cash prize as well as a science kit and trophy. Rishikesh, who has an aptitude for science, utilised the scope of social media to study more about quantum science.

His mother Rajani had helped him during the preparations. Rishikesh, who won the first prize at the National Science Seminar, arrived at the railway station to a grand reception, arranged by the teachers of his school, led by headmistress K Radhika Balachandran.