Director Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia Inspires Freshers to Embrace Research and Self-Learning

Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, resonated with excitement and fresh energy as it warmly welcomed the new batch of M.Tech (2025–2027) students on 18th August, 2025. The inaugural ceremony was held with great zeal and enthusiasm, marking the beginning of a new academic journey for the post-graduate scholars.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director PEC, Col. R. M. Joshi, Registrar, Dr. D. R. Prajapati, Dean Students Affairs, Prof. S.K. Mangal, Dean Academic Affairs, along with all the Heads of Departments and Centres. The ceremony began with a floral welcome of the Director, followed by the traditional lighting of the auspicious lamp.

In his welcome address, Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director PEC, congratulated the students on their successful admission to an institute that carries a legacy of over a century. He highlighted the glorious heritage of PEC, recalling the honour of having hosted two Presidents of India within a span of one year. Addressing the fresh entrants, he emphasized the importance of cultivating a strong research-oriented mindset at the postgraduate level. He remarked, “Self-learning is the key to growth in post-graduate studies. These two years are a defining period of your life – make the best use of them.”

Prof. S.K. Mangal, Dean Academic Affairs, familiarized the students with the academic framework of PEC, covering various courses, disciplines, procedures, rules, regulations, and the credit-based evaluation system. He also elaborated on examination patterns, grading criteria, and academic expectations, ensuring that students received clarity about their academic journey ahead.

Following this, Dr. D. R. Prajapati, Dean Students Affairs, extended a warm and spirited welcome to the new batch. He introduced them to the vibrant student ecosystem of PEC, encompassing clubs, technical societies, cultural cells, and sports facilities. He spoke enthusiastically about the institute’s rich culture of extracurricular activities, including PECFEST, one of North India’s largest technical and cultural fests. He also highlighted the opportunities provided by NSS, NCC, and student-driven initiatives, encouraging the students to actively engage in holistic development alongside academics.

The session further included insights from Dean SRIC, Head CDGC, Senior Librarian, and Head Computer Centre, each of whom introduced the students to the resources, services, and opportunities offered by their respective departments. Their talks ensured that the students were well-informed about the wide array of academic and co-curricular support available to them at PEC.

The first day of the two-day inaugural programme concluded with an Institute tour and departmental visits, giving the students a glimpse of the campus life and the infrastructure that would support their academic and professional aspirations in the years to come.