Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh — the first academic institution established in the City Beautiful in 1953 — celebrated its 55th Annual Convocation with grandeur, pride, and a spirit of academic excellence. The august occasion was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji, as the Chief Guest.

The ceremony was also attended by Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, Chief Secretary, UT Administration; Ms. Prerna Puri, IAS, Secretary, Technical Education, UT Administration, and Chairperson, Board of Governors, PEC; Shri Rubinderjit Singh Brar, Director, Technical Education, UT Administration; Shri Diprava Lakra, IAS, Finance Secretary, UT Administration; Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC; and Prof. S. K. Mangal, Dean (Academic Affairs), PEC.

The event commenced with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and the soulful rendition of Saraswati Vandana, symbolizing the light of wisdom and knowledge. Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, extended a warm welcome to the dignitaries and presented a comprehensive report on the institute’s milestones, achievements, and vision for the future.

Prof. Bhatia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Governor for his gracious presence. Highlighting PEC’s progress in academics, research, innovation, and societal outreach during 2024–25, he emphasized the institute’s growing global recognition and its steadfast commitment to nation-building. He congratulated the graduating students and urged them to uphold PEC’s core values of integrity, innovation, and excellence.

Guest of Honour, Shri H. Rajesh Prasad, IAS, congratulated the graduating students, describing the day as one filled with joy, pride, and accomplishment. Acknowledging PEC’s century-long legacy of engineering excellence, he appreciated the students’ hard work and the parents’ unwavering support. He spoke about India’s emergence as one of the fastest-growing global economies and encouraged the graduates to become the “change-makers of tomorrow”, dedicated to transforming India into a global powerhouse through innovation and integrity.

In his keynote address, the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and UT Administrator, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria Ji, lauded Punjab Engineering College for its glorious journey spanning over a century—marked by resilience, excellence, and remarkable contributions to the field of engineering and technology. Congratulating all degree recipients, their parents, and faculty members, he emphasized the role of education in character building and nation development.

Shri Kataria remarked that the engineers graduating from PEC will play a vital role in advancing national initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, and Viksit Bharat @2047. He stated, “Knowledge is our greatest wealth. It is our duty to use it for the welfare of the nation and society. To be born in India is a blessing, but to work for India is an even greater honour.”

Appreciating the outstanding achievements of PEC students and faculty, the Hon’ble Governor congratulated Bhavtegh Singh Gill, who secured three Gold Medals and one Silver Medal at the 67th National Shooting (Skeet Men) Championship 2024. He also congratulated Dr. Shimi S.L. for receiving the Prestigious National Teachers Award 2024 by the President of India. He also applauded Dr. Alakesh Manna, Dr. Kamal Kumar, and Dr. Simranjit Singh for their inclusion in the Top 2% of World Scientists List. He also highlighted the institute’s recent achievements, including the DST PURSE Grant worth ₹7.5 crore and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with PowerGrid amounting to ₹17,19,26,000/- for establishing the Powergrid Centre of Excellence at PEC.

Commending the parents for their invaluable contribution, Hon'ble Governor said that they are the true pillars of the nation who have sent forth not job-seekers but “job-creators” to serve the country. He encouraged students to blend knowledge with humility and innovation with social responsibility.

The Hon’ble Governor also presented Gold Medals to meritorious students and released the Convocation Souvenir 2025, which was received by Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC. In his concluding message, he inspired the young graduates to face challenges with courage, pursue lifelong learning, and contribute meaningfully to India’s journey toward progress and prosperity. In this 55th Convocation Doctor of Science (D.Sc,) (Honoris Causa) was conferred on Sh. Ravindra Kumar Tyagi (CMD, PowerGrid Cooperation of India Limited).

The ceremony concluded with the rendition of the National Anthem, marking a proud and emotional culmination of the convocation ceremony for students, parents, and faculty alike.

A total of 683 B.Tech, 56 M.Tech, and 40 Ph.D. degrees were conferred during the Convocation with 667 students awarded in person and 112 in absentia — reflecting PEC’s unwavering commitment to excellence in engineering education, innovation, and research.