Exposure Visit under 'Twinning of School Programme' organised by the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at the National Institute of Technology Rourkela organised an Exposure Visit under the Twinning of School Programme on 30 January 2026. The programme was conducted with the objective of familiarising school students with the academic environment of a premier technical institute and motivating them towards higher education and holistic learning.
More than 100 students and teachers from PM SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Hatibari, Sundargarh, and PM SHRI Government Higher Secondary School, Khuntagaon, Sundargarh, participated in the exposure visit. The programme aimed to bridge the gap between school education and higher education by providing students with first-hand exposure to institutional facilities, academic culture, and interaction with faculty members.
The programme began with a welcome address by Prof. Jalandhar Pradhan, Head, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIT Rourkela, who outlined the objectives of the Twinning of School Programme and highlighted the role of universities/institutes in mentoring school students and nurturing their academic aspirations.
The session was graced by Prof. K. Umamaheshwar Rao, Director, NIT Rourkela, as the Chief Guest. In his address, Prof. Rao highlighted the significance of outreach initiatives like the Twinning of School Programme in empowering young learners, fostering curiosity, and building confidence among students from diverse backgrounds. The principals of the participating PM SHRI schools addressed the gathering and shared their views on the importance of such exposure visits in inspiring students, enhancing awareness about higher education opportunities, and encouraging academic excellence. The keynote address was delivered by Prof. Rohan Dhiman, Registrar, NIT Rourkela, who emphasised the need for sustained engagement between schools and higher educational institutions to support students’ academic growth and career planning.
An important component of the exposure visit was the interactive session with faculty members of the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, NIT Rourkela, during which Prof. Seemita Mohanty and Prof. Narayan Sethi engaged with the students. The faculty interactions provided students with an opportunity to ask questions, gain insights into higher education and academic life, and receive guidance on learning pathways and career possibilities. The exposure visit concluded with a meaningful and enriching experience for the participating students and teachers.
