-Jasmeet Singh
Chandigarh: 15th March, 2024:
The Department of Aerospace Engineering (AED) of Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh in association with Aeronautical Society of India (Chandigarh Branch) today inaugurated the two days National Seminar and Flying Competition ”DRONEVERSE” on 15th March, 2024, co-sponsored by TEQIP – 3 and SoFly Pvt Ltd. The Chief guest of the National Seminar Sh. Shyam Chetty (Former Director, CSIR-National Aerospace Laboratory, Bangalore), Guest of Honor Dr. A.K. Ghosh (Concept Design & Consultant, TASL, Bangalore), Dr. S.C. Sharma (Former Professor of AED, PEC and Founding Member of ASI), Shri Deepal Lekhi, Director of PEC, Prof. (Dr.) Baldev Setia, along with Dr. Rakesh Kumar (Head, AED) and Dr. Poonam Saini (Faculty, CSE).
Dr. Poonam Saini, in her introductory address shared the valuable insights about the conference and the keynote speakers. She welcomed all the dignitaries at the PEC Campus. She expressed her gratitude towards the chief guest Sh. Shyam Chetty, Guest of Honor Dr. A.K. Ghosh and Director Prof. (Dr.) Baldev Setia for gracing the inaugural session with their auspicious presence. She said that, ”Droneverse is not just a competition; it’s a gateway to a transformative era in aviation.”
Dr. Rakesh Kumar, (Head, AED) briefed about the conference. In this 2 day National Seminar, the technology and working of drones, applications of unmanned aerial devices, Drone Navigation: Challenges and Applications, Indian Aeronautics : Doom to Boom will be discussed. He also expressed his deepest gratitude towards the esteemed guests and keynote speakers.
Director, Prof. (Dr.) Baldev Setia welcomed all the dignitaries at the portals of PEC. He also expressed his heartfelt feeling for the Department for their dedication and unwavering commitment. He shed light on the glorious legacy and history of the PEC, an 103 years old renowned institute in the field of engineering. He also shared the inspiring story of Wright Brothers (Oliver and Wilbur Wright) for inventing, building and flying the World’s First Successful Airplane. He said, ”From flying the first plane we are nowadays looking for unmanned flying of drones.”
Prof. S.C. Sharma, in his address, expressed his gratitude towards the organisers. While roaming in the memory lane, he shared many stories of the Aerospace Engineering Department and Aeronautical Society of India. He said, ”The time now is of Drones”. He also congratulated Dr. Rakesh for the concept and topic that he had chosen and wished them luck for successfully conducting the seminar.
Guest of Honor, Dr. A.K. Ghosh, expressed his eternal love towards drone technology. He shed light on the working and capability of drones. He also congratulated the department for successfully conducting the seminar. He said that, ”It’s not about being good or bad, it’s all about Being Relevant.”
Chief Guest, Sh. Shyam Chetty, shared his valuable insights on drone technology in India. He put emphasis on the need of understanding the technicalities of drone technology. He said that we must focus on the technical working of drones technology in our country. He inspired the youngsters by saying, ”You are at the right time, to remain in the country. The opportunity today is here in India.” He said that Youngsters are doing an immense job. The drone and unmanned devices in space are amazing. He wished Luck to all the budding engineers and youngsters of PEC.
Dr. Deepak Lekhi, expressed his words of gratitude and vote of thanks towards all the organisers, participants and the audience at large for conducting and organising this seminar.
