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Innovation, Service, and Success: A Recap of the VT Seva Maryland 3rd Annual SAMATHA Science Fair


On March 22, 2026, from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM, the VT Seva Maryland community gathered for a day of discovery and dedication.


Led by Youth Advisor and Coordinator Mridula Vasudevan, the 3rd Annual SAMATHA Science Fair Competition proved to be a remarkable success, showcasing the incredible talent of our youth and our collective commitment to STEAM education.


Event Overview


The atmosphere was electric as seventy student participants and over two hundred attendees - including families, volunteers, and STEAM organizations - filled the venue. This year was defined by a high level of innovation. Students across all grade levels presented creative projects that tackled real-world applications with critical thinking.

The dedication was evident in the results: participants achieved an impressive average score of 39.5 out of 50, reflecting the outstanding quality of work presented to our judges.


Celebrating Our Winners and Runners-Up


We are incredibly proud to recognize the following students for their scientific achievements:

  • Pre-K: Viraj Venuturimilli (1), Daksh Sharma (2), Jaitra Danturti (3)

  • Kindergarten: Adhrith Navalgund and Ronin Valpadasu (1), Ayaan Garg (2), Avyaan Nasini (2), Mihira Anjali Muddada and Veda Gupta Boorugu (3)

  • Grades 1 to 3: Tejas Anand (1); Varuni Vijai, Samritha Krishnanand, and Magilini Balakumar Sindhu (2); Jay Gupta Boorugu and Vihaan Muddada (2); Anvith Komperla (3); Radhika Raghavendra (3)

  • Grades 4 to 5: Samarth Sinha (1); Srivatsav Ponnuru, Eshaan Dasa, and Sridatta Kakkireni (2); Ayaansh Bejgam and Surya Muddam (2); Samhitha Sri Kosana and Devayani Sharma (3); Tanushree Bonla and Avighnya Krishnaswamy Rajashekar (3)

  • Grades 6 to 8: Ishaan Krishnan (1), Pranay Swaminathan (2), Parikrithi Bonla (3)

  • High School: Aditya Samarth


Community Partners and Sponsors


The fair was enriched by partners who connected scientific concepts to community impact:

  • Teja Pusunuri (AATS Financial): Provided vital insights into financial literacy and resource planning for families.

  • The RAY Foundation (Founded by Anvi and Tanvi Chaturvedi): This youth-led organization inspired students through their focus on service and leadership.

  • Youth Climate Institute: Empowered attendees to take action on climate change through sustainability education.

  • Vivia Chipley (Volunteer): Led an interactive water filtration activity, teaching students about clean water solutions and hands-on science.


Youth Leadership & Service Initiatives


At VT Seva, science and service go hand-in-hand. Several youth-led initiatives added a unique layer of impact to the event:

  • Healthcare & Social Media Branch: President Divya Putthana led a "Forget-Me-Not" flower project. “Seeing everyone come together to make the flowers was inspiring... we got to educate many people about how much veterans do for us,” Divya shared.

  • Environmental Branch: President Tejasvi Divi organized a plant sale that raised $47. “The funds will support a school for the visually challenged, helping provide meals for students,” Tejasvi noted.

  • Education Branch: President Manasvi Divi held a book sale that raised $41 for schools for the visually challenged. “Every contribution, big or small, made a difference,” said Manasvi.

  • Feeding Hope Maryland: The team, including Mrs. Shwetha Sannenalli, Keerthi Siripurapu, and Anwesha Parida, hosted a henna stand while spreading awareness about their mission.


A Special Thank You to Our Judges


Our distinguished panel of judges provided the expertise and feedback that made this a true learning experience:

  • Dr. Bharathi Subramaniasiva: Associate Professor of Physics and STEM educator.

  • Dr. Balamurugan Kuppusamy: Associate Scientist and accomplished researcher.

  • Dr. Mahesh Aitha: Translational scientist and STEM advocate.

  • Mrs. Rebecca Clark: Dedicated CTE teacher.

  • Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor: AI product leader and longtime VT Seva volunteer.


Our Dedicated Volunteers


The seamless execution of this event—from setup to cleanup—was made possible by our selfless volunteers:

  • Youth Leaders: Akanksha Subramaniam, Divya Putthana, Tejasvi Deivi, Manasvi Divi, Mikaela Abobar, Taara Vasudevan, Anwesha Parida, Inika Keranahalli, Akul Pallerla, Misha Nabel, Keerthi Siripurapu, and Vishan Das Mukkapally.

  • Youth Volunteers: Saanvi, Chaithra S., Deethya B., Anvi G., and others who contributed their time.

  • Adult Volunteers: Mr. Srinivasa Putthana, Mr. Vasudevan Akkoor, Mrs. Sobana Vasudevan, Mrs. Swetha Sananelli, and Mrs. Prashamsa Muppavaram.


Looking Ahead


The SAMATHA Science Fair is more than a competition; it is a commitment to the next generation of innovators. We look forward to watching this initiative grow as we continue to promote STEAM education and service in our community.




Best regards,


Mridula Vasudevan


Youth Chapter Mentor and Coordinator, VT Seva Maryland

 
 
 

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