Chandigarh: 25th August, 2025: Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, marked a new beginning today as it warmly welcomed the incoming batch of 2025-2029 through the commencement of its week-long Orientation Programme. 
The inaugural ceremony was graced by eminent dignitaries, including Shri R.K. Tyagi, Chairman and Managing Director, PowerGrid Corporation of India Ltd.; Padma Shri Shri Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Board of Governors, PEC and Founder, Trident Group; Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia (Ad-Interim Director, PEC); Col. R.M. Joshi (Registrar); Dr. D.R. Prajapati (Dean, Students’ Affairs); Prof. Uma Batra (Dean, Faculty Affairs), along with Deans, Heads of Departments, and other senior officials of the institute. 
The event began with the floral welcome of dignitaries, followed by the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing knowledge, wisdom, and new beginnings. A sense of anticipation, inspiration, and pride filled the atmosphere as the freshers stepped into the portals of PEC to embark on their academic journey.
Welcoming the students, Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director (Ad-Interim), congratulated the new entrants on joining an institution with a legacy of over 100 years. He encouraged them to nurture curiosity, commitment, and integrity during their four-year journey, wishing them both academic excellence and holistic growth.
The ceremony was further elevated by the presence of Padma Shri Shri Rajinder Gupta, an illustrious entrepreneur and Chairman, BoG PEC. Prof. Uma Batra introduced Shri Gupta, recalling his monumental contributions to India’s industrial growth and to PEC’s academic ecosystem. Bestowed with the Padma Shri in 2007 for his distinguished service in Trade and Industry, Shri Gupta is an inspiring role model for young engineers.
In his motivational address, Shri Gupta emphasized the importance of developing both intellect and character. He remarked, “PEC can give you knowledge, but wisdom you have to find on your own. PEC will prepare you as a technocrat; however, becoming a good individual, a true leader, and a bearer of values is a journey you must undertake yourself.” His words resonated deeply with the freshers, urging them to look beyond academics towards becoming responsible and value-driven individuals.
The occasion was further enriched by Shri Ravindra Kumar Tyagi, CMD of PowerGrid Corporation of India Ltd. and a distinguished alumnus of PEC (Batch of 1987, Electrical Engineering). Introduced by Dr. D.R. Prajapati, Shri Tyagi’s journey from the classrooms of PEC to leading one of India’s largest power sector enterprises stood as a testament to the institution’s enduring legacy of excellence.
Dr. Prajapati also highlighted the recent MoU between PEC and PowerGrid to establish a ?17 crore Centre of Excellence, a significant milestone under PowerGrid’s CSR initiative.
Addressing the new batch, Shri Tyagi expressed his heartfelt pride in returning to his alma mater. Sharing his mantra of the Three Cs—Curiosity, Courage, and Compassion—he urged students to remain inquisitive in their pursuit of knowledge, to face failures with courage, and to cultivate compassion to make the world a better place. His inspiring words instilled a sense of purpose and resilience among the students.
Following the keynote addresses, Prof. S.K. Mangal, Dean Academic Affairs, provided the freshers with a comprehensive overview of academic procedures, including courses, evaluation, credit system, and examination structure. 
Further, Dr. Puneet Chawla (ADSA) highlighted PEC’s vision, the vibrant culture of student-led clubs, and the process of awarding Institute Colors in recognition of exceptional achievements. She emphasized the role of cultural clubs in fostering teamwork, creativity, and a sense of community among students. 
Dr. Jyoti Kedia, Professor-in-Charge (Technical Societies), introduced the students to PEC’s thriving technical societies. She encouraged them to actively participate, take up innovative projects, and discover their passions across multiple disciplines.
The first day concluded with an institute tour and departmental visits, giving students an opportunity to familiarize themselves with their new academic environment. Over the course of the week, various cultural and technical clubs of PEC will showcase their activities, helping the freshers immerse themselves into the vibrant campus life. 
The day left the students inspired and motivated, setting the tone for an enriching journey ahead at PEC—an institution that not only nurtures engineers but also shapes leaders of tomorrow.