Congratulating Punjab Engineering College (PEC) for achieving 100 years since establishment, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday said, institutions like the PEC are not just educational institutions but are among centres of nation building, for here institute nurtures talents and creates the leaders of tomorrow.
The President unveiled a special postage stamp containing images of PEC's campus in 1921, originally Mughalpura Technical College, and PEC's present campus, thus marking the completion of 100 years of the Institute.
He arrived at the Chandigarh International Airport, accompanied by his wife Savita Kovind and was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour. The President was welcomed by Punjab Governor and UT Administrator Banwarilal Purohit, Haryana Governor Bandaru Dattatreya and Haryana CM Manohar Lal Khattar and other senior officers of the UT administration.
In his address at PEC campus, President talked about how rare and historical a moment it is, that an institute is completing a century of glorious existence and termed PEC as a 'Centre of Nation Building'. Acknowledging the evolution of PEC, the President also talked about the state of Punjab being a prominent symbol of India’s culture.
Talking about the prestigious alumni of PEC, Padma Vibhushan, Dr Satish Dhawan, the President emphasized his contributions towards the Aerospace field in India. Commending the calibre of PEC, the President talked about the first batch of 17 aeronautical engineers in IAF given by PEC. Furthermore, he talked about another PEC alum, Kalpana Chawla, who has been an inspiration for so many people around the world.
Mentioning the Centre of Excellence in PEC, he talked about the establishment of the Kalpana Chawla Chair of Geospatial Technology (KCC GT) and Siemens-Centre of Excellence. Explaining the New Education Policy's focus on research and innovation-based learning, the President acknowledged how PEC shows its willingness towards research by establishing a state of the art Semiconductor Lab, inaugurated by him.
He articulated the contributions of PEC and its students for their efforts during the tough times of the COVID pandemic, including the robots made by PEC students. He commended PEC for its huge alumni network and emphasized how PEC’s graduates have touched every field. He suggested the Institute use the mentorship of its alumni and collaborate with Institutes all over the nation to promote unity.
The President inaugurated the newly constructed Centenary Hall to mark this milestone day. He also inaugurated the newly set-up state of the art Semiconductor Research Centre (Clean Lab) under the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. Additionally, the President, also laid the foundation stone for a student’s hostel to be constructed in the campus premise.
A documentary showcasing the rich history of Punjab Engineering College was released on the completion of this auspicious occasion. It includes the stories and challenges faced by the past principals and directors who have led the college to great heights through their visionary ideas.