The Department of Physics, Tezpur University, successfully hosted the 14th Biennial PANE Conference from November 12 to 14, 2024. The prestigious three-day academic event brought together a vibrant gathering of eminent physicists, researchers, and students from across the region and beyond to engage with the latest advancements and research in the field of physics.
The inaugural session was graced by several distinguished figures, including Prof. Dhruba J. Saikia, former Vice Chancellor of Cotton College State University and currently a professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research; Prof. N. Nimai Singh, President of PANE; Prof. D. S. Kulshrestha, a noted theoretical physicist; and Dr. Samrat Dey, Secretary of PANE from Pragjyotish College.
Delivering the welcome address, Prof. R.R. Hoque, Vice Chancellor (in-charge) of Tezpur University, lauded the PANE forum as a dynamic platform for the exchange of scientific ideas, which in turn propels innovation and collaboration. Prof. Singh and Dr. Dey elaborated on PANE’s critical role in fostering a strong scientific culture across the Northeast and outlined its vision for the future.
A highlight of the conference was the the Bipinpal Das Memorial Oration on “Radio Galaxies and Quasars: An Overview and Current Challenges.”by Prof. Dhruba J. Saikia. He was also felicitated for his exemplary contributions to the field of physics by Ms. Aditi Bhuyan, daughter of the late Bipinpal Das, a revered academician and parliamentarian. Adding to the academic significance of the event, a book titled “Fifty Years of Quarks and Gluons”, authored by Prof. Dilip Kumar Choudhury, retired professor of physics at Gauhati University, was released during the conference.
Prof. Pabitra Nath, Head of the Department, and Prof. Gazi Ameen Ahmed, event coordinator, shared insights into the planned conference sessions and highlighted ongoing research initiatives within the department.
The conference featured multiple parallel sessions and also included a cultural programme, reflecting the rich academic and cultural diversity of the region. With record participation, the event proved to be a resounding success. Selected papers from the conference will be published in the Journal of Subatomic Particles and Cosmology, an Elsevier publication.
The 13th Biennial Conference of PANE was held at Manipur University from 8th to 10th November 2022, supported by SERB, New Delhi for the TA/DA of scientists and pre-conference publications. The conference featured 28 distinguished speakers, including a Keynote Speaker, 5 Plenary Speakers, and 22 Invited Speakers from top institutions across India and abroad such as IISER Kolkata, S.N. Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Jamia Milia Islamia, IIT Delhi, CQuERE, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tezpur University, Delhi University, IIT Guwahati, Assam University, Indian Institute of Astrophysics, IISC Bangalore, Gauhati University, Tripura University, Banaras Hindu University, Cotton University, Mizoram University, Hyderabad University, Dibrugarh University, IIT Kanpur, Rajiv Gandhi University, NIT Manipur and Manipur University and others.
Inaugural Session
The conference was inaugurated on 8th November 2022 at 9:30 AM in hybrid mode (offline and via Webex) at the Court Hall of Manipur University. The Chief Guest was Prof. C. Amuba Singh (Former Vice-Chancellor, MU), and Guests of Honour included Prof. N. Nimai Singh (President, PANE), Prof. Kushal Kalita (General Secretary, PANE), Prof. A. Surjalal Sharma (University of Maryland), and Prof. K. Yugindro Singh (Dean, SMPS). Prof. H. Basantakumar Sharma, President of Organizing Committee, was also there. A Physics book titled “Conceptual Developments in Physics” was released during the event, and two senior physicists, Prof. R.K. Gartia and Prof. Barin Kumar Sarma, were felicitated for their contributions to the field. The Keynote Address was delivered by Prof. Biswarup Mukhopadhyay (IISER Kolkata) on “The Spirit of Progress in Fundamental Physics: Where Every Answer Raises Questions.”
Day 1 – 8 November 2022
The first day featured three parallel technical sessions in the morning: (i) Condensed Matter Physics & Material Science (CMPMS), (ii) Astrophysics, Cosmology and Nuclear Physics (ACN), and (iii) Interdisciplinary Research and Atmospheric Physics. Each session began with a Plenary Talk followed by Invited Talks. In the CMPMS session, Prof. Tanusri Saha Dasgupta (Director, S.N. Bose National Centre) presented a plenary talk on “Quantum Materials by Computation: Challenges & Opportunities,” followed by talks from faculty at Delhi University, Tezpur University, Manipur University, and IIT Guwahati. The session was chaired by Prof. Neeraj Khare (IIT Delhi). In the ACN session, Prof. Md. Sami (Jamia Millia Islamia/SGT University) delivered a plenary on “Recipe for Quintessential Inflation,” followed by invited speakers from Gauhati University, Assam University, Cotton University, IIA Bangalore, and IUAC Delhi. This session was chaired by Prof. K. Yugindro Singh. In the Interdisciplinary session, Prof. Dongfeng Xue (Shenzhen Institute, CAS, China) gave a plenary talk on “Multiscale Origin of Materials Crystallization,” followed by talks from Dibrugarh University, Mizoram University, Gauhati University, and DHSK College. The session was chaired by Prof. Syed A. Hussain (Tripura University).
In the afternoon, three parallel oral presentation sessions (2A, 2B, 2C) were conducted with 12 presenters each in CMPMS and ACN, and 11 in Interdisciplinary topics. Simultaneously, a poster session ran from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The day concluded with a Cultural Program and Conference Dinner held from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Centenary Hall of Manipur University.
Day 2 – 9 November 2022
The second day began with three technical sessions from 9:00 to 10:30 AM: CMPMS, Atomic, Molecular Physics & Spectroscopy, and High Energy Physics. In the CMPMS session, Prof. Neeraj Khare delivered a plenary talk on “Designing Multifunctional Nanocomposites for Clean Energy Generation and Environment Remediation,” followed by talks by researchers from Tripura University, NIT Manipur, and IISC Bangalore. In the Atomic and Molecular Physics session, Prof. Bhanu Pratap Das (CQuERE) delivered a plenary on “Quantum Computing: Applications to Atoms and Molecules,” with invited talks from BHU, IIT Guwahati, and IIT Kanpur. The High Energy Physics session featured invited talks from Tezpur University, IIT Guwahati, and Hyderabad University.
From 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM, three parallel oral presentation sessions (3A, 3B, and 3C) were conducted with 12 presenters each. These were chaired by Prof. Sumitra Phanjoubam, Prof. Dilip Angom, and Prof. M.K. Das, respectively. The day concluded with a sightseeing trip to Loktak Lake, providing an opportunity for informal academic interaction among participants.
Day 3 – 10 November 2022
On the final day, two parallel sessions were held: 4A (Communication & Instrumentation and CMPMS) and 4B (Astrophysics, Cosmology and Nuclear Physics & High Energy Physics). Session 4A, chaired by Prof. H. Basantakumar Sharma, featured 13 oral presentations (7 in Communication & Instrumentation and 6 in CMPMS). Session 4B, chaired by Dr. Subrata Hazarika and Dr. Abhijit Das (Assam University), included 11 oral presentations (6 in ACN and 5 in High Energy Physics).
The Valedictory Session took place from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, where Best Oral and Best Poster Presentations were awarded (two in each category). It was also announced that full-length papers presented during the conference could be submitted to Materials Today: Proceedings (Elsevier) and/or for Book Chapter Publications
A three-day 12th PANE Biennial National Conference was hosted by Tripura University from 15 to 17 December 2021, under the convenorship of Professor S. Arshad Hussain. The event convened academics, researchers, and students from across the country to engage in meaningful discussions on emerging trends and research developments in the field of physics and allied sciences.
The conference commenced with a keynote address delivered by Professor Sabu Thomas, Vice-Chancellor of Mahatma Gandhi University, Priyadarshini Hills, Kerala. His lecture, entitled “New Opportunities in Sustainable Nanomaterials from Agrowaste,” explored the innovative use of agricultural waste in the development of environmentally sustainable nanomaterials.
Selected papers presented during the conference were subsequently published in reputed journals, including Materials Today: Proceedings and the International Journal of Engineering Research & Technology (IJERT).
In recognition of outstanding contributions to science, education, and public service, PANE felicitated eight distinguished individuals, representing each of the eight North Eastern states. Furthermore, five best oral presenters and five best poster presenters were awarded for their excellence in research communication and presentation.
A notable highlight of the conference was the Bipinpal Das Memorial Oration, which was generously sponsored by Dr Alakananda Das, in honour of the late Bipinpal Das — a respected academician and parliamentarian.
The biennial conference of PANE was successfully organized at Assam University, Diphu Campus (AUDC) from 21st to 23rd November, 2018. The three-day event brought together a vibrant community of physicists, researchers, and students from across Northeast India and beyond, fostering academic exchange and collaboration.
A major highlight of the conference was the Bipin Pal Das Memorial Oration delivered by Prof. Pijushpani Bhattacharjee from the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP). His lecture, titled "Mass Discrepancy of the Universe", offered deep insights into one of the most intriguing issues in astrophysics.
The academic programme featured four plenary talks and nine invited lectures delivered by distinguished experts. These sessions covered a broad spectrum of topics, including:
High Energy Physics
Astrophysics and Cosmology
Condensed Matter Physics
Plasma Physics
Optics and Photonics
Space and Atmospheric Physics
Electronics
A dedicated session for research scholars provided valuable guidance on academic writing and presentation. Dr. Akash Chakraborty, Associate Editor at Springer, delivered a talk on preparing manuscripts for scientific journals. Additionally, Prof. Mandar Deshmukh from TIFR, Mumbai conducted a session on designing effective scientific posters for conferences.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from a large number of students, faculty members, research scholars, life members, and invited dignitaries. It served as an important platform for young researchers to present their work and engage with eminent physicists from across the country.
In recognition of outstanding contributions, several awards were presented:
Best Oral Presentation Awards:
1st Prize: Donney Jigdung (CPP-IPR)
2nd Prize: Madhurjya Lalung (Tezpur University)
Best Poster Presentation Awards:
1st Prize: Sujit Chatterjee (Gauhati University)
2nd Prize: Asha Tongbram (Sikkim University)
The Young Scientist Awards included book coupons worth 150 Euros each and certificates sponsored jointly by PANE and Springer.
Prof. Bipul Bhuyan, General Secretary of PANE and faculty at IIT Guwahati, expressed satisfaction with the quality and impact of the event. He noted that the conference provided a valuable opportunity for young scientists from the region to showcase their work and interact with leading physicists.
Overall, the conference was a resounding success, reflecting the growing momentum of scientific research and collaboration in Northeast India. Prof. Ranjit Singha was the convener of the conference. The proceedings of the conference was published in Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Volume 1330).
The 10th Biennial National Conference of PANE was successfully held at St. Anthony's College, Shillong. The event, organized by the Department of Physics, spanned three days and witnessed enthusiastic participation from across the Northeast and other parts of India.
The inaugural session was graced by the presence of Shri Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister, who officially inaugurated the conference. A highlight of the inauguration was the delivery of the Bipin Pal Das Memorial Oration by renowned physicist and principal scientist of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, Dr. J. N. Goswami. His keynote address shed light on major developments in space science and underlined the importance of sustained scientific advancement in India.
Around 137 participants confirmed their attendance for the conference, which included faculty members, researchers, and students. The conference featured a range of technical sessions, presentations, and discussions covering various frontier areas of physics.
The steady support from national funding agencies and the increasing scale of participation at each biennial meet—reflected once again in the Shillong edition—underscored the growing relevance and recognition of PANE as a platform that promotes research, collaboration, and scientific dialogue in the region and beyond. Dr Simanta Chutia was the convener of the conference.
The IXth Biennial National Conference of the PANE was successfully organized at North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli, Arunachal Pradesh, from 18th to 20th December, 2014.
The three-day conference brought together physicists, researchers, academicians, and students from across the North Eastern region and other parts of the country. The event served as a significant platform for presenting recent research, sharing developments in various branches of physics, and fostering academic collaboration among institutions.
The conference featured plenary talks, invited lectures, and paper presentations covering diverse fields such as High Energy Physics, Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Applied Physics. Special sessions were held to engage young researchers and provide them with opportunities to present their work and interact with leading scientists.
The successful organization of the IXth PANE Conference at NERIST contributed to strengthening the academic exchange and scientific spirit in the region, reinforcing the PANE’s mission of promoting physics education and research across the Northeastern states. Prof. Tado Karlo was the convener of the conference.
The 8th Biennial Conference of PANE was successfully held at Mizoram University, Aizawl, from 17th to 19th December, 2012. A significant highlight of the conference was the adoption of the amended constitution of PANE during the General Body meeting, reflecting the academy's evolving vision and commitment to fair governance and academic excellence.
The three-day conference brought together physicists, researchers, academicians, and students from across the North Eastern region and other parts of the country. The event served as a vital platform for presenting recent research, sharing advancements in various branches of physics, and fostering academic collaboration among institutions.
The scientific programme featured plenary talks, invited lectures, and paper presentations covering diverse fields such as High Energy Physics, Astrophysics, Condensed Matter Physics, Plasma Physics, Nuclear Physics, and Applied Physics. Special sessions were organized to engage young researchers and provide them with opportunities to showcase their work and interact with experienced scientists.
The success of the 8th PANE Conference helped to set the stage for future collaborations and continued academic exchange. Prof. R.C. Tiwari was the convener of the conference.
The 7th Regular Conference of PANE was successfully held at Manipur University, gathering physicists, researchers, academicians, and students from across the North East and other parts of India. The conference served as an important platform for discussion, idea exchange, and planning for the future activities of PANE.
Discussions during the conference highlighted the feasibility of implementing various suggestions put forward by participants, emphasizing the need for thorough deliberation at appropriate forums. It was agreed that the 8th PANE Conference scheduled for Mizoram University in 2012 would reserve one and a half hours for the General Body meeting on the final afternoon. This meeting aims to strengthen democratic participation and involve delegates, life members, and dignitaries in key decisions. Further plans include a theme-based workshop to be organised by Tezpur University in 2011, serving as an intermediate academic event between biennial conferences. The proposal to extend the Mizoram University conference to three days and ensure quality control through a peer review committee was also welcomed. The conference was marked by excellent hospitality and cultural richness. Two days of delicious lunches featured special Manipuri rice and Kheer, creating memorable culinary experiences. The humour and hospitality of Prof. C. Amuba Singh, a popular figure at the university, significantly boosted the morale of the organising team. A cultural programme on the evening of the concluding day showcased traditional Manipuri dance forms such as ‘Rasleela’ and the martial art ‘Thang Ta’—a traditional sword and spear technique and a source of pride for the youth of Manipur. The live performances received widespread admiration and appreciation from attendees, who described the experience as rare and heartwarming. The concluding night featured a gala party at the Hotel Classic, renowned for its top-quality service and cuisine. The event was lively, fostering convivial interactions and celebrating the success of the conference. While there was a bittersweet note of parting, anticipation for the next meeting in Mizoram University in 2012 was palpable.
Since its inception, PANE has organised a series of regional conferences and workshops to promote physics education and research in the North East. The key events to date include:
First regional conference at IIT Guwahati (October 1998)
Workshop on PG Physics Programmes at Tezpur University (April 1999)
Second regional conference at Cotton College, Guwahati (October 2000)
Third regional conference at Dibrugarh University (November 2002)
Fourth regional conference at Guru Charan College, Silchar (November 2004)
Workshop on reorienting undergraduate and postgraduate physics programmes (jointly by Gauhati University and Dibrugarh University, May 2005)
Workshop on Einstein’s Creativity and Recent Trends in Physics at Tezpur University (March 2005)
Fifth regional conference at Gauhati University (March 2007)
Sixth PANE conference at Tripura University (April 2009)
Seventh PANE conference at Manipur University (October 2010)
Theme-based workshop planned at Tezpur University (2011)
Eighth biennial conference scheduled at Mizoram University (2012)
Ninth biennial conference scheduled at NERIST, Arunachal Pradesh (2014)
Currently, PANE has a life membership of 75 members.
PANE has honoured several senior and distinguished physicists for their outstanding contributions:
Professor B. Choudhury (2000)
Professor G.C. Deka (deceased) (2000)
Professor K.D. Krori (2000)
Professor K.M. Pathak (2002)
Professor Kamal Kanta Baruah (2002)
Professor Ram Prasad Deuri (2002)
Professor Mukut Chaliha (2002)
Professor Narendra Nath Choudhury (deceased) (2002)
Professor H.L. Duorah (2004)
Professor Phani Bhusan Das (2004)
Professor Kanti Bhusan Sen (deceased) (2004)
Professor J. Hati Barua (2007)
Professor B.K. Barua (deceased) (2007)
Professor T.D. Goswami (2007)
Professor C. Amuba Singh (2010)
Professor H. Nandakumar Sharma (2010)
Professor A.K. Barbara (2010)
Notable keynote speeches delivered at past conferences include:
Hundred years of quantum mechanics – Prof. K.D. Krori (2000)
Some unsolved problems in Astronomy and Astrophysics – Prof. J.V. Narlikar (2002)
Search for unified theory – Prof. Asoke Sen, FRS (2004)
Use of Low Energy accelerators – Prof. Amit Roy (2007)
Thin Film technology – Prof. G.B. Talapatra (2009)
In this conference the keynote lecture was given on Physics of complex driven systems by Prof. A. Surajlal Sarma (2010).
This reflects the vibrant academic activity, rich cultural heritage, and collaborative spirit of the PANE community, highlighting the ongoing commitment to advancing physics education and research in the North Eastern region of India. The convener of the conference was Prof. Jekendra Singh.
The 6th Regular Conference of the PANE was held at Tripura University, hosted by its Department of Physics. The three-day national-level event brought together physicists, researchers, and academics from across the North-Eastern region and beyond to deliberate on recent advances and collaborative opportunities in the field of physics.
A highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Prof. G.B. Talapatra, who spoke on "Thin Film Technology"—a crucial area in material science and condensed matter physics. His presentation provided valuable insights into the applications and development of thin film materials, sparking interest and further discussions among participants.
The conference served as an important platform for scientific exchange, fostering academic collaboration, and strengthening the regional physics community. The event continued the tradition of excellence in the PANE conference series and set the stage for future scientific and institutional engagements in the North-East. Dr. D. Bhattacharjee was the convener of the conference.
The 5th Regular Conference of PANE was successfully organised at Gauhati University from 1st to 2nd March 2007. The event brought together physicists, academicians, researchers, and students from across the North Eastern region and other parts of India, providing a platform for academic interaction and the exchange of ideas.
A significant highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by Prof. Amit Roy, who presented on the topic “Use of Low Energy Accelerators”. His talk provided insightful perspectives on the applications and potential of accelerator-based research, sparking engaging discussions among the attendees.
The conference witnessed participation across a wide spectrum of subfields in physics, and discussions were held on strengthening regional collaboration in research and physics education. The event furthered PANE’s objective of promoting scientific growth in the North Eastern region.
Dr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee served as the Convener of the 5th PANE Conference, overseeing its smooth execution and academic success.
The conference concluded on a high note, reflecting the collective enthusiasm of the participants and reaffirming PANE’s commitment to advancing physics research and education in the region.
The 4th Regular Conference of PANE was held at Guru Charan College, Silchar, from 5th to 6th November 2004. The event brought together physicists, researchers, educators, and students from across the North Eastern region, creating an engaging academic environment focused on the advancement of physics research and education.
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address by the eminent physicist Prof. Asoke Sen, FRS, who spoke on the topic “Search for Unified Theory.” His presentation explored one of the most fundamental and challenging questions in theoretical physics and offered deep insights into contemporary research directions in the field. The lecture stimulated rich discussions among the participants and significantly enriched the academic content of the conference.
The two-day programme included various technical sessions, paper presentations, and discussions aimed at fostering collaboration and academic exchange within the physics community of the region. The conference reaffirmed PANE’s commitment to promoting high-quality physics education and research in North-East India.
The 3rd Regular Conference of PANE was successfully held at Dibrugarh University on 9th November 2002. The event gathered physicists, academicians, and students from across the region, creating a vibrant platform for scholarly exchange and scientific engagement.
A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address delivered by renowned astrophysicist Prof. J.V. Narlikar on the topic “Some Unsolved Problems in Astronomy and Astrophysics.” His thought-provoking talk delved into fundamental questions that remain open in contemporary astrophysics, stimulating considerable interest and discussion among participants.
The conference featured scientific sessions that included paper presentations and discussions on various branches of physics, with an emphasis on encouraging research and collaborative dialogue within the academic community. The event continued PANE’s mission of promoting physics education and research throughout the North Eastern region of India.
The 2nd Regular Conference of PANE was held at Cotton College, Guwahati on 28th October 2000. The event brought together physicists, researchers, and students from across the region, further strengthening PANE’s mission to promote collaborative scientific growth in North-East India.
One of the major highlights was the keynote address by Prof. K.D. Krori, who delivered an insightful lecture titled “Hundred Years of Quantum Mechanics.” His talk offered a reflective overview of the century-long journey of quantum theory, underlining its transformative role in modern physics and its ongoing relevance in current scientific exploration.
The conference also featured engaging academic sessions that encouraged the exchange of ideas and active participation. The successful conduct of the event once again reaffirmed PANE’s dedication to advancing Physics in the NE region.
The 1st Regular Conference of PANE was successfully held at IIT Guwahati on 17th October 1998, marking a historic beginning in the collaborative efforts to promote and strengthen physics research and education in the North-Eastern region of India.
This inaugural event witnessed the coming together of physicists, academicians, and scholars from various institutions across the region. The primary aim of the conference was to create a unified platform for researchers to share their findings, exchange ideas, and identify key areas for collaborative academic initiatives in physics. The conference laid the foundation for a sustained series of scientific interactions in the North-East and formalised the vision of PANE as a regional body committed to the advancement of physics. It also focused on identifying the challenges faced by physics departments in the region and set the tone for future strategies aimed at addressing these concerns through collective dialogue and cooperation.
The enthusiastic participation and the spirit of academic camaraderie exhibited during the conference not only ensured its success but also set a strong precedent for the biennial conferences and workshops that followed.
The 1st PANE Conference remains a significant milestone in the journey of the Academy, fostering a sense of unity and purpose among the scientific community of the North-East.