Students Urged to Contribute Meaningfully to Nation: PCU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Santosh Sonawane

Pimpri-Chinchwad, Maharashtra: Emphasizing the transformative power of education, PCU Vice-Chancellor Dr. Santosh Sonawane called upon students to utilize technological knowledge responsibly and contribute meaningfully to the nation. He highlighted that education should go beyond classroom learning and serve as a catalyst for societal development and real-world impact.

The remarks were made during the inauguration and स्वागत ceremony of the first batch of the Mechatronics Engineering Certificate and Diploma Program, launched under the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). The program is a collaborative initiative between Pimpri Chinchwad University (PCU), located in Sate, Vadgaon Maval, and Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles Limited.

The event witnessed the presence of key industry leaders and academic dignitaries, including Plant Head Neeraj Agrawal, HR Head Vivek Bindra, Corporate Learning & Development Head Dr. Ranga Gunti, and ER Head Santosh Badhe from Tata Motors. Academic leaders present included Pro-Vice Chancellor Dr. Sudip Thepade, Program Head Dr. Umesh Potdar, along with several deans, directors, and faculty members from engineering, management, and computer science departments.

PCET Trustee and PCU Chancellor Harshvardhan Patil, along with institutional leaders such as President Dnyaneshwar Landge and other governing members, extended their best wishes to the students for their future endeavors.

Skill Development Head Shashikant Rode provided insights into Tata Motors’ legacy, current initiatives, and future vision, highlighting the company’s commitment to nurturing skilled talent aligned with industry needs.

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Industry-Academia Collaboration to Strengthen Future Workforce

Speaking on the occasion, Plant Head Neeraj Agrawal stated that such collaborative initiatives will significantly strengthen the relationship between industry and educational institutions. He noted that the program will play a crucial role in shaping students into future entrepreneurs and skilled professionals.

The program is designed to blend theoretical learning with hands-on industrial exposure, fostering discipline, innovation, and technical expertise. Dr. Umesh Potdar emphasized that students will benefit from an integrated learning model combining classroom education with real-time industry experience, enabling them to build successful and impactful careers.

Faculty members also visited advanced assembly lines, robotic automation systems, and women-led production units at the Tata Motors plant, gaining valuable insights into modern manufacturing practices.

This initiative is expected to create a strong pipeline of industry-ready professionals, contributing to India’s growing demand for skilled technical manpower and reinforcing the vision of a self-reliant and innovation-driven economy.