PASIGHAT, SEP 29:
The Department of Mathematics and IQAC, Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, in academic collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, and Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar, inaugurated the five-day Residential Mathematical Thinking Camp (MTC-2026) at JNC on Tuesday.
The camp, being held from September 29 to October 3, is organised under the aegis of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Mumbai, with support from the National Board for Higher Mathematics (NBHM), Government of India, and the DBT Star College Programme and IQAC of JNC.
Speaking as chief guest, APU Registrar Narmi Darang appreciated the initiative and said mathematics formed the foundation of several disciplines, including economics, commerce, computer science and the sciences. He encouraged participants to develop their mathematical aptitude and informed that APU had introduced M.Sc. and Ph.D. programmes in Mathematics.
JNC Vice-Principal Dr Leki Sitang urged the students to work hard, remain confident and not be discouraged by difficult problems.
Head of the Department of Mathematics, JNC, and MTC-2026 Coordinator Dr Gete Umbrey said the camp aimed at “nurturing problem-solvers, critical thinkers and innovators of tomorrow”. Highlighting the importance of mathematics in the age of Artificial Intelligence, he said a deeper understanding of mathematics would enable young minds to become creators of technology rather than merely consumers.
Dr Umbrey said MTC-2026 was the second HBCSE mathematical camp in the region, following the first three-day camp held at Roing in 2024. He also highlighted the growing Mathematical Olympiad movement in Arunachal Pradesh and informed that efforts were underway to establish an Indian National Mathematical Olympiad (INMO) examination centre in the State, preferably at Pasighat.
Organising Secretary Botem Moyong, Assistant Professor of Mathematics, DNGC, welcomed the participants and urged them to actively participate in the sessions. The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Rinchin Drema, Head of the Department of Mathematics, APU, and Joint Coordinator, MTC-2026.
The camp is being attended by meritorious students of Classes VII to X selected from schools across the State. Participants will take part in lectures and hands-on sessions conducted by experts from reputed institutions. The camp will conclude on October 3 with a competition, valedictory ceremony and cultural outing.
