Nagaland University’s Department of Biotechnology and Microbiologists Society India celebrated International Microorganism Day 2026.
DIMAPUR — The Department of Biotechnology, School of Engineering and Technology (SET), Nagaland University (NU), Kohima Campus, in collaboration with the Microbiologists Society, India, Nagaland Chapter, celebrated International Microorganism Day 2026 on September 17 with academic, scientific and creative activities.
The programme, organised on the theme “Tiny Organisms, Big Impact: Microbes for a Sustainable Future,” brought together participants from 12 institutions from India and abroad, the university stated in a press release.
Ten participating institutions were from different Indian states, including Gujarat, Jharkhand, Maharashtra and Nagaland, while two international institutions also took part.
The celebration featured six competitions and activities—quiz, poster making, rangoli, model making, reel making and microbial art—designed to promote awareness of the importance, diversity and applications of microorganisms.
The quiz recorded 28 participants, followed by poster making with 22, reel making with 17, microbial art with 16, rangoli with 14 and model making with nine participants.
Of the recorded entries, 33 participants were from Nagaland University. The figures represented activity-wise entries, as participants were allowed to take part in more than one event.
The inaugural programme was held at the Department of Biotechnology, NU, Kohima Campus.
Prof. Sujata Dash, Dean, School of Engineering and Technology, Nagaland University, attended as chief guest, while Dr. Rajkrishna Mondal chaired the programme.
Welcoming the gathering, Prof. Pranav Kumar Prabhakar, Professor and Head of the Department of Biotechnology and state president of the Microbiologists Society, India, Nagaland Chapter, said microorganisms, despite their microscopic size, have a significant influence on almost every aspect of life.
He highlighted their roles in human health, agriculture, food production, nutrient cycling, biotechnology and environmental sustainability.
He said the observance of International Microorganism Day was intended not only to increase awareness about microorganisms but also to encourage students to explore microbiology beyond conventional classroom learning.
Prof. Prabhakar said the scientific and creative activities were designed to foster curiosity, innovation and science communication among students.
He encouraged participants to ask scientific questions and explore the potential of microorganisms in addressing societal and environmental challenges.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sujata Dash appreciated the Department of Biotechnology for combining scientific learning with creativity and student engagement.
She emphasised the importance of providing students with opportunities to go beyond textbooks and develop skills in observation, critical thinking, innovation and scientific communication.
She also highlighted the growing relevance of biotechnology and microbiology in addressing challenges related to health, the environment and sustainable development, and encouraged students to broaden their scientific outlook through such academic platforms.
According to the university, the activities provided participants with different ways of exploring and communicating microbiological concepts.
The quiz focused on scientific knowledge, while poster and model-making encouraged visualisation and scientific presentation.
Rangoli and microbial art introduced creative approaches to microbiology, while reel making enabled participants to communicate scientific concepts through digital media.
During the programme, Dr. Hanumant Singh Rathore presented the event report, outlining the participation and activities. The university stated that the programme reflected the multidisciplinary and interactive nature of the celebration.
The event concluded with appreciation for the participating institutions, students, faculty members, research scholars, organising committee members and student volunteers.
The university said the celebration provided a platform for science, creativity and communication, highlighting the role of microorganisms in human well-being, environmental sustainability, biotechnology and sustainable development.