EEE Alumni Interaction 2026 : Beyond the Degree: Think! Build! Fail! Learn! Become an Engineer

The department of Electrical & Electronics Engineering (EEE) inspires and guides EEE students through meaningful interaction with alumni, helping them understand how to move beyond academic knowledge and develop the mindset, skills, creativity, resilience and practical experience required to become successful engineers.

The department  organized ‘EEE Alumni Interaction 2026′ on 18 August 2026  for the final-year EEE students.The session featured Dr. Nitin Padmanabhan (Senior Engineer/Scientist, Grid Operations and Planning, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), Canada, 2003–07 batch EEE) .

Dr. Nitin, a PhD holder from the University of Waterloo, Canada, has made significant contributions to the power and energy sector. He is the recipient of the 2024 IEEE PES Outstanding Engineer Award and was also honoured with the Second Best Paper Award at the First Michael Faraday IET India Summit in 2012. He had earlier served as a faculty member in the EEE Department at Vidya, making his interaction with the students a meaningful reunion with his alma mater.

Held under the inspiring theme “Beyond the Degree: Think! Build! Fail! Learn! Become an Engineer,” the interaction provided students with valuable insights drawn from Dr. Nitin’s academic and professional journey. He encouraged students to look beyond academic qualifications, develop practical skills, think independently, embrace failures as opportunities for growth, and pursue continuous learning.

He also emphasised the importance of strong technical fundamentals, practical exposure, innovation, and active participation in professional and technical activities in building a successful engineering career.

The session was attended by Dr. Vinila M L (HoD,EEE Dept),Mr. Ajin Aravind (Adjunct Faculty,EEE Dept) and final-year EEE students. Ms. Sheeja G (Alumni Co-ordinator, Asst Prof,EEE Dept) introduced the resource person. Dr. Vinila felicitated Dr. Nitin, who acknowledged his achievements and expressed his continued association with his alma mater.

The interaction was highly engaging, with students actively participating and seeking insights into professional life, career development, and the evolving expectations of the engineering industry.Hashim (S7 EEE Dept) expressed his sincere gratitude to Dr. Nitin and the department, appreciating the valuable insights, motivation, and professional guidance shared during the session.

The programme concluded with the vote of thanks delivered by Ms. Akhila R (Asst Prof – Sr Grade,EEE Dept)