JAMMU, Sep 15: The Institution of Engineers (India) (IEI), Jammu Local Centre, celebrated the 59th Engineers’ Day with great enthusiasm at its Institutional Complex, Jammu. The day was observed to commemorate the 165th birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, was the Chief Guest, while Rahul Yadav, Managing Director, J&K State Power Development Corporation Ltd., was the Guest of Honour. The programme was attended by Er. Anil Verma, FIE, Chairman, Er. Avneet Gupta, FIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI Jammu Local Centre, and a large number of engineers from various departments and organisations.
In his welcome address, Er. Anil Verma highlighted the theme “Engineering Excellence for a Sustainable and Technologically Sovereign India.” He referred to several major engineering achievements that have contributed to India’s technological progress, including the hydrogen fuel cell-powered train launched in July 2026 on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway and the Ken-Betwa river interlinking project.
At the same time, he expressed concern over inadequate supervision, coordination and control by engineers involved in the implementation of major projects, which can adversely affect infrastructure development. He urged all stakeholders to work with sincerity, dedication and better coordination to help India achieve technological sovereignty.
Er. Mohinder Singh, Assistant Executive Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, J&K and former Honorary Secretary, IEI Jammu Local Centre, paid rich tributes to Sir M. Visvesvaraya and highlighted his qualities of austerity, integrity, competence and discipline. On the occasion, Er. Virinder Sethi, former Senior Manager, NHPC Ltd. and former Director, JP Group of Industries, was honoured with the IEI Award for his lifetime contribution to the engineering profession and IEI Jammu Local Centre.
The R. L. Sharma Memorial Gold Medal was presented to Er. Joy Ganjoo for the Best Technical Paper, while the Rudra Bhagwati Silver Medal went to Er. B. L. Rawal for the second-best technical paper. The IEI Bronze Medal was presented to Er. Gopal Krishan Sharma for the third-best technical paper during 2025-26.
The first issue of the 24th volume of the quarterly newsletter “IEI Jammu News” was also released by the Chief Guest and Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Yadav highlighted the contributions of Sir M. Visvesvaraya and observed that engineers are increasingly taking on administrative roles. He advised engineers to remain involved in projects from conception to completion and focus more on design and engineering aspects.
Chief Guest Ramesh Kumar said engineers play a vital role in shaping the future of the nation. He urged them to contribute towards the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat 2047, while focusing on planning, sustainable engineering and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.
The inaugural session was followed by a technical session chaired by Er. Hamesh Manchanda, MIE, former Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti Department, J&K Government. Er. B. L. Rawal presented a technical paper on the theme, while M/s Surya Shakti Solar Solutions, Jammu, made a presentation on rooftop solar panels of Tata Power Renewable Energy under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
The programme was conducted by Er. Avneet Gupta, Honorary Secretary, who also presented the vote of thanks.