The 28th Foundation Day of the Physics Academy of the North East (PANE) was observed at the Department of Physics, Gauhati University, on April 6, 2026, marking a significant milestone in the Academy’s continued academic and organisational progress. The programme was jointly organised by PANE and the Department of Physics, Gauhati University, and commenced at 1:00 PM with a formal inaugural session.

The opening segment of the programme included the greeting of dignitaries and guests, lighting of the ceremonial lamp, and formal welcome of the dignitaries onto the stage. The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Kalpana Bora, Head of the Department of Physics, Gauhati University. The Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University, Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and delivered the inaugural address. In his speech, he appreciated the various initiatives undertaken by PANE and assured the gathering that the proposal for establishing a permanent office of PANE at Gauhati Universit—earlier submitted to him following advice from the Education Minister of Assam—would be given due consideration.. Prof. N. Nimai Singh, President of PANE, also addressed the gathering. An overview of the activities of PANE was presented by Dr. Samrat Dey, General Secretary, while the financial report was delivered by Dr. Ranjan Kalita, Treasurer of PANE. The session also included a presentation on the latest issue of the PANE Newsletter by Dr. Nabendu Deb, followed by its formal release.

The programme subsequently featured the felicitation of eminent women physicists—Prof. Joyanti Chutia, Prof. Kalyanee Boruah, and Prof. Pranayee Datta—in recognition of their distinguished contributions to physics teaching and research. This was followed by the conferment of the PANE Young Scientist Award 2026, which was jointly awarded to Dr. Devabrat Mahanta of Pragjyotish College and Dr. Lipumani Kalita of Cotton University.

A series of academic presentations followed, including an overview of the first two published issues of the PANE Journal of Physics (PJP) by Dr. Debasish Borah, and the introduction of the newly launched education journal, the PANE Journal of Physics Education (PJPE), by Dr. Samrat Dey, Editor-in-Chief. A brief description of the inaugural issue of PJPE was presented by Dr. Pranab Jyoti Bhuyan, followed by its formal launch.

The event also included the distribution of prizes to the North East India toppers and the Top 10 Outstanding Young Performers of the North East India Physics Talent Search (NEIPTS) 2025, presented by Prof. Kushal Kalita, Executive President of PANE. The list of PANE Fellows for the year 2025 was then presented, along with details of the procedure for the appointment of Fellows of PANE.

A central highlight of the celebration was the Foundation Day Lecture delivered by the eminent physicist and founding Fellow of PANE, Prof. Bhupendra Nath Goswami (FNA, FASc, FNASc, FTWAS, FPANE), ANRF Prime Minister Professor. The lecture, titled “Why Northeast India Needs to Think BIG about Investing in Basic Research in Science & Technology?”, was chaired by Prof. Subhaditya Bhattacharya and was followed by an engaging interaction session with the audience and felicitation of the speaker.

The programme further witnessed the formal transfer of charge to the newly elected office bearers of the Executive Body, conducted by Dr. Aomoa, Assistant Returning Officer of the PANE Executive Body Election. On this occasion, Dr. Samrat Dey, the outgoing General Secretary, read out the message of the newly elected President of PANE, Prof. D. J. Saikia, who could not attend the programme due to his presence in Germany, and subsequently handed over the official documents to the incoming General Secretary, Prof. Subhaditya Bhattacharya.

The programme concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Yajnya Sapkota, followed by a refreshment session. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, students, and invited guests, making it a memorable and meaningful occasion for the physics community of the region.