Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Inaugurates Boeing Sukanya Program STEM Labs in Odisha
Hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) aviation and aeromodelling learning to benefit more than 3,000 students in the state annually
SAMBALPUR, January 24, 2026. The Minister of Education of the Government of India, Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan, today inaugurated Boeing Sukanya Program STEM labs in government schools in Odisha. The labs set up in Sambalpur, Rairakhol, and Kuchinda districts are expected to benefit more than 3,000 students annually, with additional labs to be added.
With this launch, 32 Boeing Sukanya Program STEM labs are now operational across India, reaching nearly 20,000 students annually.
The Union Minister was joined by Mr. Rabi Nayak, Minister, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, Mr. Siddheshwar Baliram Bondar, Collector, Sambalpur District; Mr. Mukesh Bhamoo, Superintendent of Police Sambalpur; Mr. Rehan Khetri, Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner; Ms. Komal Garg, IPS Probationer, and dignitaries from Boeing and Learning Links Foundation, school principals, teachers, and students at the inauguration ceremony.
Mr. Dharmendra Pradhan said, “India’s aviation and aerospace sector is entering a historic phase of expansion, with thousands of new aircraft expected to fly in our skies in the coming decade. To support this growth, the country will need a new generation of pilots, engineers, technicians, and aircraft maintenance professionals. The Boeing Sukanya STEM Labs launched today at CSB Zilla School, Sambalpur, is a crucial step in preparing our youth, especially our daughters—for these future opportunities. Through this initiative, girls from Odisha will receive early exposure to aerospace education and specialized training to prepare for highly competitive pilot entrance examinations. With the combined support of the Government of Odisha and Boeing, financial barriers will no longer prevent talented girls from pursuing careers in aviation. This partnership reflects the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi ensuring that district schools like Sambalpur become hubs of advanced scientific learning. Our daughters will not only study here—they will fly higher, lead India’s aerospace growth, and shape the nation’s future in the skies.”
The STEM labs feature experiential learning kits, digital tools and hands-on modules designed to strengthen practical understanding of STEM, aviation, and aeromodelling. Students from grades six through 10 will participate in activity-based learning, workshops and exploratory sessions. The program will also enable student participation in regional and national STEM, aviation, and aeromodelling competitions.
The Boeing Sukanya Program is grounded in the belief that equal access to education unlocks innovation,” said Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and South Asia. “These STEM labs reinforce our commitment to advancing science, aviation and aeromodelling education in Sambalpur and neighboring districts. We deeply appreciate the support of the Ministry of Education and the Government of Odisha in advancing this shared vision.”
The Boeing Sukanya Program is implemented in partnership with Learning Links Foundation (LLF), a Boeing Global Engagement nonprofit partner for education and skilling initiatives in India.
Dr. Anjlee Prakash, Chairperson, Learning Links Foundation, said, “We are proud to collaborate with Boeing to deliver immersive, hands-on STEM learning in Odisha. These labs encourage students to explore, question and innovate, while also strengthening teacher capability and the broader school ecosystem. Our focus is to enable more students, especially girls, to pursue careers in STEM.”
Launched in 2024 by the Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, the Boeing Sukanya Program aligns with India’s vision to increase women’s participation in aviation. As part of the program, Boeing and LLF continue to establish STEM labs in government schools across India. The program also offers scholarships to girls to pursue their dream of becoming pilots, helping build a strong talent pipeline to increase women’s participation in India’s aviation growth.
