Nagaland University hosts precursor event of National Space Science Symposium 2026

A regional outreach program titled ‘Igniting Young Minds Through Science & Space’ was held at Nagaland University (NU), Lumami, on November 7 as a precursor to the upcoming National Space Science Symposium (NSSS) 2026.
The Symposium, jointly organized by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Bengaluru, and the North Eastern Space Applications Centre (NESAC), Umiam, Meghalaya, is scheduled to take place in February 2026 at NESAC, Umiam, Meghalaya.
A press release by NU, PRO stated that ISTRAC, Web Information Manager (WIM), and Indian Space Science Data Centre (ISSDC), ISRO Bangalore division head, Dr. Himanshu Pandey, was the guest of honour, who encouraged students to explore career opportunities in space research and highlighted ISRO’s pivotal role in empowering young talent.
The chief guest, NU, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jagadish K. Patnaik, inspired participants by recounting the journey of Bodhisattwa Sanghapriya, founder of IG Drones, whose achievements during Operation Sindoor showcased the transformative power of student innovation from Odisha to the national stage.
The program featured two technical sessions- Dr. Himanshu Pandey delivered a comprehensive overview on the evolution of India’s space program, major space centres, and planetary exploration missions, while Dr. Arup Borogohain detailed the societal benefits of space technology, including satellite navigation, space-based support for disaster management, agritech applications, and analytics for geotourism.
The outreach program began with a welcome address and introduction by NU, head, department of Physics, prof. Y. Sundarayya, followed by NESAC senior scientist, Dr. Arup Borogohain, who provided the background of the initiative and emphasized the need to nurture scientific curiosity in the region.
NU department of Physics, assistant professor, Dr. Vijeth, concluded the inaugural session with a vote of thanks. About 100 participants joined the event.