The programme began with the COEP Tech University Flag Hoisting Ceremony, followed by the garlanding of Bharat Ratna Sir M. Visvesvaraya’s bust and the inauguration of Seminar Hall No. 02, reflecting the University’s legacy and its continued focus on academic and infrastructural development.
The Foundation Day celebration was graced by Padma Shri Mrs. Lila Poonawalla, Founder of the Lila Poonawalla Foundation and distinguished alumna of COEP Tech, as the Chief Guest. In her address, she underlined the importance of strengthening India’s research and development ecosystem and stressed that institutions must create an environment where faculty can actively contribute to research alongside teaching. She appreciated COEP Tech’s upcoming Research and Innovation Park at Chikhali as a step in the right direction. She also spoke about the importance of ethics in engineering education and the need to nurture scientific curiosity among students from an early stage.
Presiding over the function, Mr. Vinayak Pai, Chairman, Board of Governance, spoke about India’s shift from a service-based economy to a manufacturing-driven economy, and highlighted the role of engineers in driving innovation, research, and intellectual property creation.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bharat Gite, President, COEP Alumni Association and Member, Board of Governance, reflected on COEP’s strong alumni network and its contribution across industries, government, and institutions in India and abroad. He noted that over its 172-year legacy, COEP has built not only engineers, but leaders who have made a lasting impact on society.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Sunil Bhirud presented an overview of the University’s progress and achievements, highlighting key developments in academics, research, innovation, and industry collaboration. He emphasized the University’s focus on building an ecosystem that promotes problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and impactful research aligned with national development goals.
The programme was attended by members of the Board of Governance, faculty, staff, alumni, and students, making it a meaningful occasion for the entire COEP Tech community.
As part of the celebration, the University felicitated:
– Scholarship donors supporting student education
– Faculty members completing 25 years of service
– Retired faculty and staff
– Ph.D. awardees
– Students for their achievements in various competitions
In the vote of thanks, Dr. Dayaram Sonawane, Registrar, expressed gratitude to the Chief Guest, dignitaries, faculty, alumni, students, and all stakeholder.
