Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, India’s first AI-augmented multidisciplinary university, celebrated Engineer’s Day with a series of profound sessions, industry-academia interactions, and competitive events designed to inspire innovation among students & to send a message that engineering is not only about structures and systems, but about building a brighter tomorrow.
The event started 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, while Prof. (Dr.) Ajay Yadav, Registrar, Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, highlighted the role of engineering in driving technological transformation and national development.
During the event, Chief Guest Mr. 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, Mr. 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,” Mr. 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.”
“Engineers and AI are the True Society Builders of the Future” – Mr. Alok Agarwal, Technical Director, PTC Industries
“Today’s AI is Smart, Tomorrow’s AI Will Also Be Sensitive” – Prof. Dr. Nischal Verma, IIT Kanpur
On the occasion Guest 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” – Mr. Joginder Singh, Senior Deputy General Manager, Bharat Electronics Limited
Extending his greetings on Engineer’s Day, Mr. Joginder Singh, Senior Deputy General Manager, Bharat Electronics Limited, said that engineers are an important 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.
Applauding 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 Kumar, Technology Head, AI and Cloud, TATA Consultancy Services; 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 concluded 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 said that technology has already reshaped human life, and when AI converges with other technologies, its impact becomes even more powerful. However, they also cautioned that the younger generation is largely focused on jobs, while the true need of the hour is innovation. Innovation, on the other hand, 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 said that India has the potential to significantly expand its innovation capacity through the effective use of AI.
Additionally, students from various schools took a glimpse of the AI Arena at Chandigarh University, Uttar Pradesh, where they were introduced to new technologies and the applications of artificial intelligence. 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, CU-UP, Dr. Ajay Yadav said that the vision of a Viksit Bharat 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 CU-UP’s commitment to practical learning, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship.
During the event, 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.
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