Dr. Roop Lal Mahajan, a distinguished alumnus of Punjab Engineering College (PEC) and currently the Lewis Hester Chair Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Director at the Institute for Critical Technology and Applied Science (ICTAS) at Virginia Tech, USA, made a notable visit back to PEC on Tuesday, February 20, 2024.
Dr. Mahajan, who graduated from PEC in the 1964 batch, was keen to engage with the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, exploring the ongoing collaborative research efforts. His visit sparked meaningful discussions with both students and faculty, highlighting his commitment to fostering academic and research excellence.
Previously, Dr. Mahajan had generously donated to establish two doctoral research fellowships within the Metallurgical and Material Engineering Department, underlining his dedication to nurturing future talents. The department heads, Dr. J D Sharma and Prof. Uma Batra, greeted him warmly and provided updates on the department's research initiatives.
During his interaction, Dr. Mahajan stressed the importance of creating a collaborative scientific atmosphere at PEC, emphasizing the "Power of Team Science" as crucial for significant scientific advancements. He encouraged young researchers to passionately pursue their work, leveraging scientific fundamentals to address complex challenges and delve into the intricacies of statistical data analysis.
With a wealth of knowledge and experience, Dr. Mahajan shared insights and advice, drawing from his extensive career. He touched upon Schumpeter’s theory of disruptive innovation, advocating for the embracement of emerging technologies and interdisciplinary approaches as pathways to innovation.
Looking towards the future, Dr. Mahajan expressed enthusiasm for a potential Transformative Interdisciplinary Research Centre at PEC, quoting, "Buds have creatively blossomed at the intersection" - a nod to PEC's capacity for fostering innovative thinking and research. His visit not only reaffirmed his connection to his alma mater but also inspired a new generation of engineers and researchers at PEC.