PEC Confers Honorary Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) upon former ISRO Chief

Kanwar Inder Singh/ royalpatiala.in News/ August 4,2025

Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, today hosted a special felicitation ceremony in honour of Dr. S. Somanath, Vikram Sarabhai Distinguished Professor and Former Chairman, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO). The ceremony was presided over by Rajinder Gupta, Esteemed Chairman, Board of Governors, PEC, in the gracious presence of Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, Prof. S.K. Mangal (Dean Academic Affairs), and Prof. Uma Batra (Dean Faculty Affairs).

The august occasion was further graced by eminent personalities, including Prof. Renu Vig (Vice Chancellor, Panjab University), Prof. A.K. Grover (Former Vice Chancellor, Panjab University), Dr. K.P. Singh (INSA Emeritus Professor, IISER Mohali), Col. R.M. Joshi (Registrar, PEC), along with all Deans and Heads of various departments of the institute.

Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC, extended a warm 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, remarkable contributions to ISRO, and his role in pioneering path-breaking projects that have strengthened India’s position in the global space arena by reading his citation. He lauded Dr. Somanath’s dedication to advancing scientific research and fostering innovation for national development.

In a moment of great pride and reverence, Dr. S. Somanath was ceremoniously conferred the Degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in recognition of his distinguished service and monumental contributions to the advancement of space science and technology. The conferment was graciously bestowed by Rajinder Gupta, Chairman, Board of Governors, and Prof. Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC. Marking the occasion, Dr. Somanath also unveiled a Commemorative Plaque in honour of the legendary Satish Dhawan, further enriching the legacy of the institution.

Addressing the audience, Dr. Somanath expressed his heartfelt gratitude to PEC for the honour. He reminisced about his association with Dr. Satish Dhawan, whose direct action approach to the PSLV program 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 emphasized 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.
The ceremony concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Prof. Uma Batra, marking the end of a truly inspiring and memorable event.