Two schoolboys from Jharkhand, one from Ranchi and another from Jamshedpur, will visit Japan based on their performance at the INSPIRE Awards-Manak last year.

INSPIRE (Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research) Awards Manak ( Million Minds Augmenting National Aspiration and Knowledge) is organised by department of science and technology, Government of India, every year for science students.

Class XI students Gaurav Kumar Singh from Jamshedpur Public School and Prince Sharma from Hinoo United Uchcha Vidyalaya, Ranchi, will visit Japan between May 26 and June 1 as a part of SAKURA Science High School programme under the Japan-Asia Youth Exchange Programme in Science, implemented by the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

The programme aims to nurture an interest in science and technology among young people in Asia by improving their levels of knowledge. Selected Asian youths from Classes X, XI and XII are invited by the Japan Science and Technology Agency for about a week.

Selected students get an opportunity to visit universities and research institutions in Japan, get hands-on experience from renowned scientists, including Japanese Nobel laureates, in performing experiments and experience Japanese culture.

Gaurav and Prince were selected after a stringent elimination process. Their science models, which were exhibited in Delhi as part of INSPIRE, as well as their academic performance and good manners all added up to make the final selection possible.

Gaurav said he was over the moon. “I feel very lucky. My only aim is to learn as much as possible in the days that I am in Japan, and yes, make friends too,” said the boy.

Principal of Jamshedpur Public School Namita Agarwal said she was extremely delighted for her student Gaurav. “It would prove to be a great exposure for him. Any student who visits Japan learns a great deal as the country is known for its technology and innovation,” she said.