UDAIPUR,  A national seminar on “Engineering, Innovation and Nation Building” was held at Mohanlal Sukhadia University here on Tuesday on the occasion of National Engineers’ Day, bringing together experts, researchers and students to deliberate on the role of engineering, indigenous innovation and technological capabilities in nation building.

The seminar was jointly organised by the Institute of Engineering and Technology, Mohanlal Sukhadia University, and Vigyan Bharati, Chittor Province. The event, held at the Bappa Rawal Auditorium in the university guest house, was dedicated to the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.

VC stresses socially relevant innovation

Presiding over the seminar, Mohanlal Sukhadia University Vice Chancellor Prof. Kailash Daga said the ultimate objective of engineering and technical education should not be limited to acquiring technical skills, but should focus on developing solutions aligned with the needs of society and the nation.

Prof. Daga urged students and young researchers to pursue innovation and develop the ability to view emerging challenges as opportunities. He said continuous learning and new thinking are essential in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

“Universities have a responsibility not only to impart knowledge but also to promote research and innovation that can create practical benefits for society and contribute to national development,” Prof. Daga said.

The seminar featured discussions on how rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence, space science, biotechnology, robotics, digital technology, energy and advanced manufacturing, can be aligned with India’s social, economic and national requirements.

Focus on grassroots innovation

The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Arvind C. Ranade, Director, National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF), Gandhinagar, and National Secretary, Vigyan Bharati. He highlighted the concept of grassroots engineering and stressed the need to identify, preserve and promote innovations emerging from local communities.

Dr. Ranade outlined the vision and mission of NIF-India, which focuses on identifying and documenting grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge and providing them with technological and institutional support.

Citing the struggle surrounding the patenting of turmeric, he underlined the importance of protecting traditional knowledge and intellectual property rights. He also presented examples of patents and innovations supported by NIF and encouraged students and young researchers to identify problems around them as opportunities for innovation.

Engineering must serve national priorities: Praveen Ramdas

Praveen Ramdas, National Secretary, Vigyan Bharati, who attended as the chief guest, spoke about the life and contribution of Sir M. Visvesvaraya to nation building. He said engineering and innovation must be connected with the country’s requirements while carrying forward Visvesvaraya’s legacy.

Students showcase ideas through posters

A poster competition and exhibition on “Role of People’s Science in Nation Building” was also organised as part of the seminar. Students and researchers showcased ideas related to indigenous knowledge, grassroots science, technological innovation and nation building through creative poster presentations.

The event was supported by an advisory committee comprising Dr. M.L. Kalra, Dr. Rameshwar Ameta, Dr. Avinash Panwar, Dr. Ghanshyam Purohit, Dr. Harish, Dr. Jitendra Singh Rathore, Dr. Kuldeep Sharma, Dr. Kamal Singh Rathore, Dr. Girdhar Pal Singh, Dr. Mohit Gokhru, Dr. Rahul Garg, Dr. Vimal Saraswat, Dr. Jaya Arora, Dr. Vijay Koli, Dr. Devendra Jain, Dr. Tripta Jain, Dr. Lekhraj and Dr. Devendra Kumar.

Organising Secretary Dr. Amit Kumar Gupta was assisted by co-organising secretaries Dr. Lokesh Kumar Agrawal, Dr. Mohan Singh Rathore and Mrs. Manju Chaudhary. Dr. Girima Nagda and Dr. Kuldeep Sharma conducted the proceedings.