Unnao: Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh—India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university—celebrated Engineer’s Day with a series of thought-provoking sessions, industry-academia interactions, and competitive events designed to inspire innovation among students.
The celebrations commenced with a traditional lamp-lighting ceremony followed by addresses from senior academic leaders. Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Prasad, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, delivered the welcome address, setting the tone for the day. Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Yadav, Registrar,Chandigarh University highlighted the role of engineering in driving technological transformation and national development.
On the occasion, activities such as the ‘AI for India’ Hackathon, poster competition, quiz, and debate were also organized. These events reflected the university’s commitment to practical learning, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. Additionally, students from various schools were taken to the AI Arena at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, where they were introduced to new technologies and the applications of artificial intelligence.
A keynote address was delivered by Prof. (Dr.) Nischal Verma from IIT Kanpur, who shared insights on the evolving landscape of engineering and emerging opportunities in the age of artificial intelligence.
“Engineers and AI are the True Society Builders of the Future” – Alok Agarwal, Technical Director, PTC Industries
On the occasion,Chief Guest, Alok Agarwal, Technical Director, PTC Industries, said that humanity is currently passing through a period of profound transformation, driven by two pivotal forces—on one side, powerful disruptive changes, and on the other, the convergence of engineers and artificial intelligence. “Undoubtedly, engineers are the real society builders,” he remarked.
Highlighting that the challenges of the 21st century are unlike any seen before, Agarwal said the era of Industry 4.0 has already begun. Artificial intelligence, now an inseparable part of daily life, has advanced only because of the relentless efforts of engineers. “Together, AI and engineers are shaping new dimensions and possibilities,” he added.
“This is not an age of man versus machine, but of human–machine collaboration,” Agarwal emphasized. He cautioned, however, that engineers must always ensure AI is deployed ethically, as technology cannot inherently grasp human values. Looking ahead, he envisioned a future where factories operate with zero waste and cities absorb their own pollution through sustainable energy solutions. “This is the true power of Industry 4.0—a future where technology and humanity progress hand in hand,” he concluded.
Speaking on the industry–academia convergence at Chandigarh University Uttar Pradesh, he said, “I appreciate the efforts of Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, which, even at the very start of its academic journey, has signed MoUs with several top industries. This step is indeed a strong initiative towards preparing future engineers to be truly industry-ready.”
“Today’s AI is Smart, Tomorrow’s AI Will Also Be Sensitive” – Prof. Dr. Nischal Verma, IIT Kanpur
On the occasionGuest of Honour, Prof. Dr. Nischal Verma of IIT Kanpur said that engineers are an inseparable part of human life. In the current phase of the industrial revolution, artificial intelligence is playing a pivotal role, yet it still lacks wisdom. He expressed optimism that in the coming phase, AI will not only advance technologically but also begin to embrace the values of humanity.
“Engineers Will Shape the Future using AI as a tool” – Joginder Singh, Senior Deputy General Manager, Bharat Electronics Limited
Extending his greetings on Engineer’s Day, Joginder Singh, Senior Deputy General Manager, Bharat Electronics Limited, said that engineers are a vital part of society, driving change in collaboration with artificial intelligence. He remarked that AI is merely a tool, devoid of its own understanding or wisdom. “It is engineers who must instill real wisdom into AI. We must not become slaves to technology, but use it as a tool to serve humanity,” he emphasized.
Appreciating the academic initiatives of Chandigarh University, he said that these efforts will greatly benefit the students. He added that both the campus infrastructure and the faculty at the university are truly excellent.
The highlight of the programme was a panel discussion featuring distinguished speakers including Dr. Puneet Misra, Head of CSE at the University of Lucknow; Mr. Neeraj Gupta, CTO, TCS; and Mr. Vivek Tripathi, Manager, PwC. The panel deliberated on the future of engineering, AI-driven innovations, and skillsets essential for India’s young engineers to thrive in a global marketplace.
During the panel discussion on “Engineering India’s Future: AI and Innovation for Nation Building”, it was observed that engineering will play a pivotal role in India’s journey towards Amrit Kaal 2047, with artificial intelligence set to make a significant contribution. In particular, AI is expected to have a transformative impact on healthcare and in bridging the rural–urban divide.
The panelists noted that technology has already reshaped human life, and when AI converges with other technologies, its impact becomes even more powerful. However, they cautioned that the younger generation is largely focused on jobs, while the true need of the hour is innovation. Innovation, they emphasized, takes time—and the true strength of engineers lies in their ability to first identify problems and then develop effective solutions.
The discussion underlined the importance of encouraging engineers to think, experiment, and focus on innovation. With the infrastructure and facilities available today, the panelists stressed that India has the potential to significantly expand its innovation capacity through the effective use of AI.
The celebrations also witnessed enthusiastic participation from school students, who took a guided tour of the university’s AI Arena and engaged in interactive sessions. An “Engineer’s Pledge” was administered to reaffirm commitment to ethical practices and nation-building through engineering.
Extending his greetings on Engineer’s Day, Registrar Dr. Ajay Yadav said that the vision of a Developed India by 2047 can only be realized if the nation nurtures true innovators. He added that just as the United Nations’ sustainability goals cannot be achieved without engineers, the real innovators are those who, as engineers, are driving society forward.
To foster innovation and creativity among its own students, CU Uttar Pradesh hosted a range of competitive events, including an Idea Pitch Challenge – ‘AI for Bharat’, hackathons, poster and short video contests, a quiz bowl on “Engineering, AI and India,” and a debate competition. These activities reflected the university’s emphasis on experiential learning, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.
Speaking on the occasion, the university leadership reiterated CU Uttar Pradesh’s vision of nurturing future-ready engineers equipped with interdisciplinary knowledge, AI-driven skills, and global exposure. The Engineer’s Day celebration stood as a testament to the university’s mission of blending academic excellence with industry relevance and social responsibility.
