Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, inaugurated on July 25, the automotive engine test facility at VelTech University in Avadi near Chennai in the presence of Col. Prof. Dr. Vel R. Rangarajan, Chancellor, Dr. Sagunthala Rangarajan, Vice Chairman, Mr. K. Veera Raghava Rao, District Collector, Dr. Shrikant R. Marathe, Director of the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), Dr. R.P. Bajpai, Vice Chancellor, and Dr. K.C. Vora, Head – ARAI Aacdemy & Deputy Director, Vice President.
Dr. Kalam had a quick view of the research projects costing Rs. 21 crores in progress at the VelTech University Research Park.
The automotive engine test facility is equipped with 150 KW, 500 Nm Eddy current dry gap dynamometer, digital dyno controller, and engine data acquisition & control software to conduct performance and durability studies of internal combustion engines.
ARAI is the official consultant for the university in establishing this high-tech facility. Ashok Leyland, Tractor & Farm Equipments Ltd. and Greaves Cotton Ltd. have donated their engines to this facility.
The inaugural function was followed by an exclusive interactive session in which a large number of students of VelTech University, engineering colleges, polytechnics, arts colleges and schools nearby had the opportunity to have detailed discussion with Dr. Kalam on issues of topical interest.
In his address, Dr. Kalam advised students to be unique with four great qualities – great aim in life, continuous acquisition of knowledge, hardwork and perseverance – and explained his Vision of 2020 of India becoming a world industrial superpower. Appreciating the excellent contribution which the VelTech has done to the society, he advised the students to take oath of technology as a lifetime mission.
He also answered a number of queries raised by the students related to the current educational system, future of nuclear power, stem cell technology, convergence of technology of bioscience, info science, nano science as well as eco-science.