PEC confers honorary doctorate on ex-ISRO chief

Punjab Engineering College (deemed to be university) today hosted a special felicitation ceremony in honour of Dr S Somanath, Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor and former chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Dr Somanath was conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his distinguished service and contribution to the advancement of space science and technology.

The ceremony was presided over by Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Board of Governors, PEC, in the presence of Prof Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC; Prof SK Mangal (Dean Academic Affairs), and Prof Uma Batra (Dean Faculty Affairs).

Prof Renu Vig, Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University; former VS Prof AK Grover, Dr KP Singh, INSA Emeritus Professor, IISER Mohali; Col RM Joshi, Registrar, PEC, along with all Deans and Heads of various departments of the institute were also present.

Prof Rajesh Kumar Bhatia extended welcome to Dr Somanath, expressing that PEC, the alma mater of luminaries like Dr Kalpana Chawla and Dr Satish Dhawan, were privileged to host such a distinguished personality. He remarked that it was an honour for the PEC fraternity to hear from a visionary leader, who has significantly shaped India’s space journey. Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, BoG, introduced Dr Somanath to the gathering, highlighting his illustrious career.

He lauded Dr Somanath’s dedication to advancing scientific research and fostering innovation for national development. Dr Somanath unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of Dr Satish Dhawan.

Addressing the audience, Dr Somanath expressed his gratitude to PEC for the honour. He reminisced about his association with Dr Dhawan, whose direct action approach to the PSLV programme and innovative “Dhawan diagrams” played a crucial role in predicting mission outcomes.

He fondly recalled being present during key project launches alongside Dr Dhawan. Dr Somanath emphasised the need for stronger industry-academia collaboration to translate research into practical applications, thereby fueling innovation and national progress.

He also shared insights into India’s long-term human space programme, underscoring its potential to boost the country’s economy and global standing.