Mohali , 6 Feb : “Innovation does not require a formal education; anyone can train himself/herself to be innovative”. This was emphasized by the Vice Chancellor, Punjab Technical University, Professor Rajneesh Arora. The Vice Chancellor was inaugurating a seminar on “Innovation and Creativity”, at Campus 3 of the Doaba Group of Colleges, a prominent technical education group of the state.
Dr Rajneesh Arora said that this was the first time any college under PTU had organized a seminar on such an important topic as innovation and creativity. In a highly interactive address to the students and delegates, the vice chancellor exhorted the students to learn from the examples of Bill Gates, Sabir Bhatia etc, and acquire the ability to develop new products and technologies.
Dr Arora mentioned that he had initiated a process for an INR 2.25 crore innovation fund, to be managed through IIT, Ropar. He exhorted the students and faculty members to access this fund for their innovative ideas.
Eminent experts who addressed the seminar focused on various aspects of innovation and technology. Dr A K Jain, Director, Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy reviewed the innovations in the renewable energy technology area. Dr D K Dua, Chief Environmental Engineer, Punjab Pollution Control Board, reviewed recent developments in pollution control technologies and systems.
Professors Y K Anand and Rakesh Wats of the National Institute of Technical Teachers Training & Research, Chandigarh, focused on the fundamentals of creativity. Professor K M Rastogi discussed curriculum development for creativity. And Professor B K Dhindaw, Dean of IIT Ropar discussed the main features of the upcoming INR 2.25 cr fund for promoting prototype development and innovation.
Dr Daljit Singh, Director, Doaba Group of Colleges, and an acknowledged expert on creativity and innovation, drew on his experiences in US universities and emphasized that creativity can be inculcated. He highlighted the need for promoting critical thinking in our students, and teaching beyond the curriculum.
Three books published by the DGC Faculty members were released on the occasion: Applied Physics II by Puneet Chandel and Deepali Chandel; Applied Chemistry II by Rajeev Sharma; Applied Mathematics II by Neeraj Prabhakar. The books conform to the revised syllabus of the Punjab State Board of Technical Education, finalized only a few weeks ago.
Earlier the Chief Guest and the invited speakers were welcomed by the Executive Chairman of the Doaba Group, S Manjit Singh. He emphasized the importance of innovation and creativity through various quotations from Einstein and Mark twain. He said that the Doaba Group is committed to providing the students excellent infrastructure and guidance in enhancing their innovation skills.
The Vice Chancellor and the distinguished guests were felicitated by the management, and mementoes were presented by the Chairman, Mr. M S Batth, Managing Vice Chairman, Mr. S S Sangha and Executive Vice Chairman, Mr. Manjit Singh. Bouquets were presented by the DGC Trustees, Mr. Navpreet Singh Sangha and Mr. Gurpreet Singh Batth
A vote of thanks was presented by S Jeet Singh, Chief Administrator of the Doaba Group of Colleges.
