TechAura-2025: Igniting Innovation

The School of Engineering & Technology (SET) at Nagaland University successfully concluded TechAura-2025, a three-day national-level technical festival. Centered around the theme “Where Insights Ignite Innovation,” the festival took place at the university’s Kohima campus in Meriema.

The event was inaugurated by Prof. Jagadish Kumar Patnaik, Vice-Chancellor of the university, who emphasized the critical role of technological advancement within the Indian Knowledge System. He encouraged students to take the lead in research, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Other notable attendees included Prof. N Venuh, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Rupin Sharma, IPS, the Director General of Police, Nagaland, and Prof. Sujata Dash, Dean of SET.

In his keynote address, Rupin Sharma addressed concerns surrounding cybercrime and cybersecurity, urging students to recognize digital threats and advocate for technological safety.

The festival showcased over 20 events, including model presentations, robotics competitions, a truss bridge design challenge, and a “Battle of the Bands,” actively engaging students from across the region.

The valedictory ceremony on November 7 was attended by L Lanuwabang, Director & Scientist ‘F’ at NIELIT Kohima, and Abhishek Mishra, Additional Director & Officer-in-Charge of STPI Kohima, who motivated participants to excel in technology amidst a rapidly evolving landscape.

Initiated in 2010, TechAura has become a highlight in the regional calendar of technical festivals.

Regional Outreach Programme: Inspiring Future Scientists

On November 7, Nagaland University hosted a Regional Outreach Programme titled ‘Igniting Young Minds Through Science & Space,’ serving as a precursor to the upcoming National Space Science Symposium 2026.

This program was also inaugurated by Prof. Jagadish K Patnaik, who inspired attendees to embrace the transformative potential of innovation within the student community. Senior scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and North East Space Applications Centre (NESAC) delivered vital addresses.

Dr. Himanshu Pandey, Web Information Manager at ISTRAC, ISRO Bangalore, encouraged students to consider careers in space research while discussing the evolution of India’s space program. Dr. Arup Borogohain, Senior Scientist at NESAC, highlighted the numerous societal advantages offered by space technology, such as disaster management and agricultural enhancements.

This synergistic initiative is part of a larger effort by ISRO and NESAC, setting the stage for the National Space Science Symposium scheduled for February 2026 in Meghalaya.

The outreach event attracted around one hundred students and faculty members, fostering rich discussions on space science and technology.

International Workshop on Women’s Voices

Nagaland University also organized an international workshop on women’s voices, collaborating with the Centre for Women’s Development Studies and Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, Germany, on November 6 and 7.

The workshop, sponsored by Rosa Luxemburg Stiftung, included participation from ten women each from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland, alongside faculty and research scholars from the Department of English. An exhibition showcasing their handicrafts and books was also part of the workshop.

Prominent participants included Prof. N Manimekalai, Director, Centre for Women’s Development Studies, and various contributors from across India, all focusing on pressing issues like women’s rights, customary laws, and advocacy against age-old injustices.

Discussions encompassed narratives of resistance, the evolution of customs, and the crafting of resolutions in line with Indian laws, addressing instances where customary laws fell short.