PASIGHAT, September 29, 2026: The five-day Residential Mathematical Thinking Camp (MTC-2026) was inaugurated at Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC), Pasighat, on Monday, with the Department of Mathematics and IQAC of JNC organising the event in academic collaboration with Arunachal Pradesh University (APU), Pasighat, and Dera Natung Government College (DNGC), Itanagar.
The camp, being held from September 29 to October 3, is organised under the aegis of the Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), 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 the chief guest, APU Registrar Narmi Darang appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of mathematics as a foundation for several disciplines, including economics, commerce, computer science and the sciences. He encouraged participants to develop their mathematical aptitude and informed that APU has already 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 when faced with difficult mathematical problems.
Dr. Gete Umbrey, Head of the Department of Mathematics, JNC, and Coordinator of MTC-2026, said the camp aims to nurture problem-solvers, critical thinkers and innovators. Highlighting the growing importance of mathematics in the era of Artificial Intelligence, he said a deeper understanding of mathematics would help young minds become creators of technology rather than merely consumers.
Dr. Umbrey also informed that MTC-2026 is the second HBCSE mathematical camp to be organised in the region, following a three-day camp held at Roing in 2024. He highlighted the growing Mathematical Olympiad movement in Arunachal Pradesh and said efforts are 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 at DNGC, welcomed the participants and encouraged them to actively participate in the camp sessions.
The inaugural programme concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Rinchin Drema, Head of the Department of Mathematics, APU, and Joint Coordinator of MTC-2026.
The five-day camp is being attended by meritorious students from Classes VII to X, selected from schools across Arunachal Pradesh. The 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.
