Punjab Engineering College, Chandigarh, successfully organized “LAKSHAY” an event for the SSB aspirants on 09th October, 2023. The event aimed to provide a forum for aspiring students who wish to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces. The Program was inaugurated by lighting the ceremonial lamp by Lt. General Kanwal Jeet Singh Dhillon (Retd.), (PVSM, UYSM, YSM, VSM) who graced the inaugural ceremony as the Chief Guest, Dr. Baldev Setia, Director PEC, Registrar PEC and the faculty members of CDGC.
After the floral welcome of the Chief Guest, Dr. Poonam Saini, Head, CDGC formally welcomed all the dignitaries present on the dais and the students present for the event. She urged the students who aspire to join the defence forces to absorb every piece of advice, every motivational word, and every bit of wisdom shared during the event.
Prof. (Dr.) Baldev Setia, Director PEC, in his address, stressed on the significance of such events in inspiring the young engineers to join the defence services for the betterment of the country. He mentioned the glorious legacy of 102 years of the institution, from 1921 in Lahore to today in Chandigarh. He shared a glimpse of his wish to join the Armed Forces and how that feeling still resides in his heart.
He remembered the photo caption of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon, PVC,'s portrait in YPS, School, “Wo mare taki bharat jiye". He also congratulated Prof. Poonam Saini and the entire CDGC team for taking such an initiative. Col RM Joshi (Veteran), Registrar PEC while addressing the gathering, referred to PEC as the glorious institute to witness the presence of 2 Presidents, Governors, and other Dignitaries. He shared various glimpses from his army life.
He talked about the various Army Operations, in which he played a key role as Operation Jivan and Operation Vijay in Ladakh. He made students aware of the army life and decision-making skills of the armed forces. At the end, he shared motivational words to keep doing hard work, to keep no doubt, to develop leadership, and said 'Army is a family that you never forget.'
Lt. Gen. Kanwaljeet Dhillon (Retd.), had a special session with the aspirants. Apart from his Army background, he is the author of the book "Kitne Ghazi Aaye Kitne Ghazi Gaye". While addressing the students he said, "I had failed practically at every stage of my life. Failure is just an event. A person never fails. Lessons of life are the most important thing." Furthermore, he added the Gurbani quote “Deh Shiva Bar Moh Ehh Hai..Shubh Karman Te Kab Hoo Na Daro', 'Na Daro Har So Jab Jaye Lado, Nischay Kar Apni Jeet Karo.”
At last, a special session on GTO, and an Interview Guidance for was held, which was followed by a Psych session for SSB. The students got an opportunity to interact with officers from the Indian Army, who shared their experiences and gave them insights into the life of a defence officer. Lakshya was a resounding success and achieved its objective of inspiring and motivating the students to pursue a career in the Indian Armed Forces.
The students felt enthusiastic and inspired after getting insight into the process of pursuing a career in defence. The event ended with the valedictory ceremony for felicitation of the student committee with the certificates of appreciation. In the end, Dr. Poonam Saini, Head, CDGC offered a vote of thanks and thanked all the invited guests, faculty members, student organizing committee, and participants for gracing the occasion with their solemn presence.
Overall, Lakshya was a great initiative by CDGC, and it has definitely helped in creating awareness and generating interest among students in pursuing a career in the defence services.