Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University) Chandigarh started its week-long orientation program for the batch of 2023-27, marking the beginning of a transformative academic journey for 839 students enrolled in (B. Tech) and (B. Des) programs.
The orientation commenced with a floral welcome extended to Prof. Baldev Setia, Director PEC by D.R. Prajapati, Dean of Student Affairs. The event was inaugurated with the symbolic lighting of the lamp by Prof. Baldev Setia, Director PEC, D.R. Prajapati, DSA, Vasundhara Singh, DFA, Rajesh Bhatia, DAA, Puneet Chawla, ADSA, Poonam Saini, Head, CDGC, and Col. RM Joshi (Veteran), Registrar, PEC.
Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Dean of Academic Affairs, extended his congratulations to the students for choosing PEC. He emphasized on the learning skills needed in the 21st century, by underlining the quote: "Hire Character, Train Skill." He briefed the students on academic bodies of the institute, academic calendar, credit distribution, and registration process for courses and discussed about various academic policies. He mentioned about the integration of New Education Policy (NEP) in the curriculum through open electives and minor specializations. He also highlighted the focus on research in the revised UG curriculum. Concluding with the students that as an engineer have the power to shape the world, he encouraged the students to seek support from mentors and peers and underscored the importance of personal well-being and responsible social media use.
Prof. Baldev Setia, Director PEC addressed the students, extending a warm welcome and assuring them of a secure future. Drawing inspiration from John Bernard Shaw's quote: "Life is a flame that is always burning itself out; but it catches fire again every time a child is born" Prof. Setia encouraged students to embrace learning as a continuous flame. He underscored PEC's holistic approach, emphasizing traditional branches while integrating cutting-edge programs in AI and Data Science. The Director celebrated PEC's legacy, being the first institute to produce 17 Aeronautical Engineers in India and its contribution in mentoring institutes like NIT Kurukshetra and NIT Jalandhar. He highlighted the launch of new academic programs - B. Tech in AI, B. Tech in VLSI, and B. Des. He mentioned about state-of-the-art Centers available in PEC, such as the Siemens Centre of Excellence, Cybersecurity Research Centre, and Semiconductor Research Centre. He encouraged students to utilize the infrastructure to its fullest potential and avoid waste.
Addressing campus facilities, he informed the students about the ready-to-occupy Extension Block of Himalaya Hostel with a capacity of 150 rooms and the ongoing construction of the Extension Block of Kurukshetra Hostel, having a capacity of 360 rooms. Moreover, he mentioned that the Building and Works Committee of PEC has approved the proposal for a 2200-seat capacity auditorium, set to be constructed at a cost of 65 crores.
The Director concluded by urging students to embody responsibility and cultivate gratitude towards their educators, underscoring the significance of acknowledging their contributions to the students' growth and success.
Dr. Poonam Saini, Head of CDGC, elucidated the role of the Career Development and Guidance Centre and its overwhelming placement records. The session progressed with the address by Heads of the departments of the institute. The students were also shown the PEC Campus Documentary to inform them about the yearlong activities, various clubs, technical societies and the achievements of students and faculties.
The day one of the orientation programme ended with an Institute tour and department visits.
