Delhi YPS tries to Broaden its Reach

Delhi YPS tries to Broaden its Reach

- Ramesh Negi (Chairman – YPS), IET Delhi Network

In an effort to widen the reach of IET amongst budding engineers, we recently had a series of meetings with the officials of some reputed engineering institutions in Bhopal (MP) in the Central west part of India. Bhopal, known as the city of lakes, not only holds a strategic place in the national political scene, but it is also known as an educational hub in Western India.

Our first stop was TIT Group of Institutions, in Anand Nagar, Bhopal. Besides discussing the membership issue with Dr Bhupendra Verma, the Director of ‘Technocrats Institute of Technology’, we also met the Group Director Dr. C.L. Saxena who appeared quite enthusiastic about opening IET Student Chapter in their college and sought more details about having an institutional affiliation. The officials appeared impressed when we told them about the level of energy displayed by Delhi Network Chairman (Mr. HBS Rana) even at the age of 85, who has been with IET for over 50 years. While underlining the importance of a strategic tie-up, they sought to emphasise that IET will have to come up to expectations in terms of value for money.

Next, we went to Oriental Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), Thakral Nagar, Bhopal. This institute is considered one of the best in terms of standards of education. Having colleges and institutes in many cities across Madhya Pradesh, OIST is also known for the … design of its buildings. This institute has also made headlines for being a preferred location for a number of famous bollywood movies. The young and energetic Director, Dr. T. Hamsapriya appeared keen in allowing the participation of their students in the forthcoming PATW Delhi round competition. Though she was not much aware about IET and its activities, she opined that opening of a student chapter can be considered if she is confident about a fruitful long-term association with IET.

Our next stop was the NRI group of institutions at Sajjan Singh Nagar in Bhopal to meet Dr. S.C. Kapoor, the Director. Dr. Kapoor informed us that as of now plans are in final stages for starting a student chapter of Institution of Engineers (I). On being told that IE(I) and IET are strategic partners now, Dr. Kapoor assured that efforts would certainly be initiated for IET activities as well in near future.

Subsequently we visited the Bansal Institute of Research & Technology (BIRT) in Bhopal and met Dr. S.C. Soni, (Director) and Dr. N.K. Tiwari (Principal). While appearing convinced about an association with IET, Dr. Tiwari suggested that IET will be in a better position to widen its membership base if it can offer memberships for 10-20 yrs or allow the prevailing concept of life-fellows in India. Dr. Soni desired to have more details about the steps and procedures for becoming an academic affiliate.

Though it was a hectic one day tour, but we kept hopping from one place to another for about 9 hrs. Our lunch became the casualty, but we had no option as the meetings could be arranged after consistent pursual from Prof. Taruna Jain, the flag bearer of IET in Bhopal city. Two young first year students from Barkatullah University Mr. Aviral Patle and Ms. Shivani Dube were the local guides and support lines for us all this while. If the enthusiasm and motivation level of Aviral and Shivani is an indication, then I am sure, IET is bound to have an array of activities in coming years in Bhopal. Well, what is required – is a mild nudge and requisite support from the Delhi YPS team. Amen.

Attached Figure: Mr. Aviral, Ms. Shivani with Mr. HBS Rana at one of the institutes in Bhopal