Nagaland University hosts precursor event ahead of National Space Science Symposium 2026

Dimapur: Nagaland University hosted a regional space science outreach programme on “Igniting Young Minds Through Science Space” at its Lumami campus on Friday as a precursor to the National Space Science Symposium 2026, a varsity release said on Saturday.

The National Space Science Symposium 2026, initiated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bangaluru, and the North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Umiam, Meghalaya, will be held at NESAC, Umiam, in February next year.

Addressing the event as chief guest, Prof Jagadish K Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor, Nagaland University, recalled the inspirational work of Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder of IG Drones. Patnaik added, Sanghapriya’s achievements during Operation Sindoor demonstrated the transformative potential of student-led innovation from Odisha to the national arena.

Guest of honour, Himanshu Pandey from ISRO Bangalore, exhorted the students to explore career opportunities in space research, highlighting the ISRO’s pivotal role in empowering young talent.

Dr Arup Borgohain, senior scientist at NESAC, outlined the objective of the initiative and emphasised on the importance to nurture scientific curiosity in the Northeast region.

The programme featured two technical sessions, where Pandey delivered a comprehensive overview of the evolution of India’s space programme, its major space centres, and planetary exploration missions. Borgohain spoke on the societal benefits of space technology, including satellite navigation, space-based support for disaster management, agritech applications, and geotourism analytics. About 100 students attended the programme.