AIT Pune Celebrates Its 31st Foundation Day
AIT Pune Celebrates Its 31st Foundation Day
AIT Pune celebrated its 31st Foundation Day on 24th Feb 2025. Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, GOC-in-C Southern Command, and Patron-in-Chief of AIT presided over the function. Dr K. Sivan, former Secretary of the Department of Space and former Chairman of the Space Commission was the Guest of Honour and was awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. The Gaganyaan Programme was approved under his leadership. Dr Sivan is the Vice President of the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA). He also served as the President of the Astronautical Society of India (ASI). Dr Sivan was appointed the chief of ISRO in January 2018. Under his chairmanship, ISRO launched Chandrayaan-2, the second mission to the Moon on 22 July 2019.
Many senior defence officers in the station, members from industry and academia, and AIT alumni were present for the function.
Brig Abhay A Bhat (Retd), the institute’s director, presented the yearly report on AIT’s activities and achievements.
In his address to students and faculty, Dr Sivan acknowledged that AIT is one of the best private engineering colleges and noted its recognition as the Best Professional College under Savitribai Phule Pune University in 2017.
He was particularly impressed that AIT has produced over 100 successful entrepreneurs globally.
After receiving the Army Institute of Technology (AIT) Lifetime Achievement Award, he expressed deep gratitude for his recognition.
In Acknowledging the Lifetime Achievement Award from such a prestigious institute, he dedicated the award to the hardworking scientists and engineers of ISRO, who through their relentless efforts advanced India’s space technology and made India a Space Power.
He drew a parallel between AIT and ISRO, stating that both institutions share the same spirit of hard work, innovation, and excellence.
He also spoke about ISRO and its vision, which is not for launching a rocket, for launching purposes, or for sale. ISRO’s vision is to provide Space-based technology as a tool to serve the cause of the common man of India.
He compared AIT to MIT (Madras Institute of Technology), stating that while MIT once had an elite, selective intake across India, AIT has now taken on that role, attracting top talent from across the country.
He urged AIT students to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers. While he acknowledged that AIT students secure high-paying jobs (₹14–15 LPA packages), he expressed that instead, AIT graduates should become job creators that provide ₹15 lakh salaries to 500 people each!
He humorously added that if AIT students start companies, they should invite him to inaugurate them!
In conclusion, Dr K. Sivan saw AIT as a centre of excellence with the potential to shape India’s technological and entrepreneurial future. He urged students to aim beyond employment and strive for innovation and leadership in the global arena.
The Successful Young Entrepreneur Award was given to Mr Preetpal Singh, an alumnus of the AIT 2002 batch. COAS All Round Student Rolling Trophy won by Mr. Eshaan Kapoor, BE (Comp). G Rajsekhar Memorial Trophy for Best Sportsperson was presented to Ms Vanshika SE (Comp-B). Other Awards presented include Best Research and Consultancy Award-Dr L.D.Jathar, Mech dept. Best Teacher-Dr Sita Yadav, Comp dept.
In his speech, the Chief Guest, Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth, PVSM, AVSM, GOC-in-C Southern Comd, emphasized the invaluable contributions of the Army Institute of Technology. Over the last 27 years, AIT has given the nation outstanding technology leaders, entrepreneurs, social influencers, and officers for the armed forces.
He congratulated the two alumni, Col Pushpender Chaudhary who was awarded the Sena Medal and Maj Kunal who was awarded the Shaurya Chakra on Republic Day 2025. He mentioned these achievements reflect that AIT is more than just a place of learning. It’s a dynamic hub where ideas converge, innovation thrives and where future leaders are nurtured. He further added that as we move forward, we must reaffirm our commitment to excellence, inclusivity and sustainability.
The GOC-in-C stated that India is leaving no stone unturned to transform the armed forces into a modern warfighting machine.. Self-Reliance and Atmanirbharta are cornerstones of our quest to modernization. He further added that institutes like AIT must remain at the forefront of education and innovation and with our collective efforts we can shape our future which is not only technologically advanced but socially responsible. He urged the faculty and students to focus on innovation, new technologies such as AI, quantum Computing, Robotics, Big Data analytics, Augmented reality etc, as all of these have immense military relevance.
The Chief Guest appreciated the spirit of AIT song which encouraged the students to take pride in their army background. Every student is great because he/ she is a brave soldiers ward.
In conclusion, he highlighted AIT’s motto (Onward to Glory) and wished for greater Glory beyond the skies.
The Chairman AIT, Maj Gen K K Chakrabarti delivered the vote of thanks to the eminent dignitaries.
