4 TN Students, 1 Teacher Selected for Japan's Sakura Science High School Programme

PRESS RELEASE At the Secretariat, Chennai, today, 21.05.2026, four government-school students and one teacher from Tamil Nadu, who will take part in the international education and science exchange programme "Sakura Science High School Exchange Programme" run by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, met Hon'ble Minister for School Education, Tamil Development, Information and Publicity Thiru Raj Mohan and received his good wishes. Four students and one teacher from Tamil Nadu have been selected to participate in the "Sakura Science High School Programme – 2026" (Sakura High School Programme – JFY 2026), an international education and science exchange programme run by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST). Under this programme, students and teachers from various states of India are taken to Japan and given the opportunity to directly experience that country's advanced science, technology, education system and culture. The following students and teacher from Tamil Nadu, selected from among those who excelled at the South India Science Fair (SISF), have been chosen: 1. V. Rohith Kumaran — Government Model School, Thoothukudi 2. R. Arnold Jack Oliver — Government Model Higher Secondary School, Gudalur — Nilgiris 3. M. Lakshitha — Government Model Higher Secondary School, Maraimalai Nagar — Chengalpattu 4. M. Kanishka — Government Higher Secondary School, Ganapathipalayam — Erode 5. N. Manai Eswari (Supervisor) — S.N.V. Government Model Higher Secondary School, Elamesvaram — Ramanathapuram The programme runs from 24.05.2026 to 30.05.2026. Of a total of 56 students selected nationwide, 4 students and 4 teachers from Tamil Nadu are among the 60 participants overall. The above students and supervisor from Tamil Nadu will depart from Chennai Airport at around 1.00 PM on 22.05.2026 (Friday) for Japan via Delhi. They are scheduled to return to Chennai on 31.05.2026 upon completion of the programme. It is notable that students from Tamil Nadu continue to excel in such international science exchange programmes. The School Education Department stated that this programme will help enhance students' scientific interest, innovative capabilities, and global outlook. The event was attended by School Education Department Additional Chief Secretary Dr. Santhamohan B, IAS, Director of School Education Dr. S. Kannappan, and Director of Elementary Education Dr. Poo. A. Naresh. Issued by: Director, Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Chennai-9