The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, in collaboration with CSIR–Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIR-CSIO), Chandigarh and the Design Innovation Centre, IIT Roorkee, inaugurated a two-week Research Skill Accelerate Program (RSAP) on “Product Design and Development for Sustainable Manufacturing”. The program is being conducted from March 9 to March 21, 2026, with the support of the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology (PSCST), Department of Science, Technology & Environment, Government of Punjab.

The inaugural session was graced by Er. Narinder Singh Jassal, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh; Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, PSCST, Government of Punjab; Sh. Ravinder Singh Hundal, Additional Director, DTE&IT, Government of Punjab; Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC; Prof. Perminder Jit Singh, Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering and Chairperson of RSAP; Prof. Sanjeev Kumar, Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, PEC; and Prof. Sarabjit Singh, along with faculty members and participants from various institutions.

The program is being organized under the patronage of Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, and Er. Pritpal Singh, Executive Director, PSCST. The event is coordinated by Prof. Sarabjit Singh, Er. Narinder Singh Jassal, Prof. M. P. Garg, and Dr. Viveksheel Rajput, while the chairpersons include Prof. Perminder Jit Singh, Prof. Sanjeev Kumar, Dr. Dapinder Kaur Bakshi, and Prof. Anuprabha K. Sharma.

Initially, Prof. Perminder Jit Singh introduced the objectives and framework of the Research Skill Accelerate Program. He highlighted that the initiative aims to strengthen the research ecosystem in the state by providing faculty members with opportunities to undergo specialized training at premier research institutions. The program seeks to empower participants with advanced knowledge and practical skills that can foster innovation, enhance teaching outcomes, and build a stronger research culture within their respective institutions.

Further, Er. Narinder Singh Jassal elaborated on the scope of the program and emphasized the important role of CSIR-CSIO in advancing technological innovation and applied research. He explained that the program would guide participants through the process of identifying the need for new products, understanding product life cycles, and learning systematic design processes. He further highlighted that the workshop would provide a collaborative platform where trainees can gain practical insights into emerging technologies, methodologies, and tools that can be integrated into their teaching and research activities.

Addressing the gathering, Er. Pritpal Singh spoke about various initiatives undertaken by the Punjab State Council for Science & Technology to address environmental and technological challenges, including efforts related to the management of paddy straw. He emphasized that sustainable manufacturing must incorporate eco-friendly materials, lifecycle analysis, and circular economy principles, and highlighted the critical role of educators in promoting innovation and sustainability among students.

Sh. Ravinder Singh Hundal stressed the importance of industry exposure and hands-on training for researchers and faculty members. He noted that such initiatives enable participants to gain insights into automation, industrial practices, and advanced technologies while also providing exposure to state-of-the-art facilities at leading research institutions.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director of PEC, spoke about the institute’s rich legacy of academic excellence, innovation, and industry collaboration. He also highlighted the advanced laboratories and research infrastructure available at PEC and encouraged participants to actively engage in the program to derive maximum benefit from the learning experience.

The inaugural session concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Sanjeev Kumar, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, collaborating institutions, organizing team, and participants for their support in making the program possible.

During the two-week program, participants will attend expert lectures, interactive sessions, and hands-on training on themes such as product design and manufacturing, hybrid manufacturing methods, Big Data and IoT applications in manufacturing, advanced analysis for manufacturing operations, and robotics applications in industry, among other emerging technologies. The program aims to equip faculty members and researchers with contemporary knowledge and practical skills required to drive innovation in sustainable and advanced manufacturing practices.