Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University) celebrates its Foundation Day on 9th November every year. However, this year, the institute celebrated its 97th Foundation Day on 14th November, 2018. Since 9th November was around the festival season, so it was decided that the same could be postponed to 14th November, 2018.
The ceremony was graced by Dr. Rajnish Prakash, former principal of PEC, as the Chief Guest. Before the ceremony started, the Chief Guest and the alumni were received by the Director Dr. Uma Batra and the Dean Alumni Dr. K K. Gogna in the Director's office. The ceremony began by lighting of the lamp and the playing of the PEC anthem, following which the Chief Guest addressed the audience.
"Punjab Engineering College has always been a premier institute right from its beginning. Students of PEC are doing well, not only in engineering but also in other fields as well" said Dr. Rajnish Prakash. He stated that an individual attains excellence not merely by an accident; rather it comes by a never ending learning process. Success doesn't come by chance, rather it is a choice.
Dr. Satish Kumar, Director, NIT, Kurukshetra who is a Padam Shree recipient and who is also distinguished alumnus of PEC addressed the audience about important issues like skills required for corporate world and the knowledge about prevalent changes in market. He addressed that we need to adapt with the changes and we should have strong connectivity with education and innovation.
The institution's journey from a college in Lahore to one of the most renowned universities in India was beautifully showcased through a video which made the alumnus relive their golden memories.
The Distinguished Alumnus Awards for excellence in career were awarded to Dr. Roop Lal Mahajan, Mr. Yogesh Kumar, Dr. Mukesh Kumar and Late Shri Jaspal Bhatti for their exemplary achievements. Mrs. Savita Bhatti, wife of Late Shri Jaspal Bhatti received the award on his behalf. Also, the Award for Contribution to the institute went to Mr. Vikram Hans and the Young Entrepreneur Award was given to Mr. Jitin Talwar (Mrs. Komal Talwar, wife of Mr. Jitin Talwar received the award on his behalf). The citation of the awards were read by Dr. K.K Gogna, Dean Alumni Corporate and International Relations.
Also, towards the end, Mr. Ujjaval Kachhal, first year Production and Industrial Engineering student was given a cash prize of Rs. 25000/- as 'Merit cum Means Sushil Khaneja Award'. The event also included cultural programmes filled with captivating performances by the students in the form of a comical skit from the dramatics club and an enthralling performance from the bhangra group. A proud day for PEC's Foundation Day Ceremony ended with the national anthem, filling everyone with sense of nostalgia towards their Alma Mater and their country.