Kshitij 2024

Inaugural of Kshitij 2024 – Annual Science Project Expo

Don Bosco College of Engineering inaugurated the 7^th Edition of the Annual Science Project Expo.  Kshitij 2024, on July 18, 2024 at the college campus. The Chief guest for the event was Prof. M. K. Janarthanam, chairperson of Goa State Research Foundation and a retired senior Professor from the school of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology at Goa University. Joining Mr. Janarthanam on the dais were dignitaries: Director – Fr Kinley D’Cruz, Principal – Dr Neena Panandikar, Kshitij Convenors – Dr Suraj Marathe, and Satyesh Kakodkar. 

The inaugural ceremony began with a projection of an AV of the College and Video of Kshitij 2023 Glimpses. This was followed by lighting of the ceremonial lamp by the dignitaries. Dr Neena Panandikar, in the welcome address extended her gratitude to all the participants of the various schools and higher secondaries . She highlighted the purpose of Kshitij as a platform for young minds to showcase their talents, celebrate creativity and also encouraged them to take up multidisciplinary projects which would lead to creative and holistic solutions.Fr Kinley D’cruz said that the purpose of Kshitij 2024 is “to see the projects done by students catch up with rapid developing trends in digitalization and creative practice and to come up with solutions to the problems that affect our society”.

The Chief Guest, Prof. M. K. Janarthanam was introduced by Asst.Prof.Jeffrey Valadares, followed by his addressal in which he gave insights to students on how practical work bridges the gap between theory and practice allowing us to experiment, innovate and solve real problems. He also focused on applying multidisciplinary educational approach which breaks down the silos between subjects, fostering a learning environment where knowledge from various disciplines intersects and complements one another.

Prof.Janarthanam was presented with a token of appreciation by Fr Kinley D’Cruz. Mr Satyesh Kakodkar in his thank you note extended gratitude to all the dignitaries, organisers, coordinators, presenters, and participants from various educational institutions. The inaugural concluded with Kshitij 2024 being declared open by the Chief Guest with the cutting of a ribbon.

Teachers’ Workshop on “Emerging Trends in Engineering Education” during Kshitij 2024

Don Bosco College of Engineering (DBCE), in association with The State Council of Educational Research and Training  (SCERT), Government of Goa, conducted a workshop “Emerging Trends in Engineering Education”, for teachers from different educational institutions, on July 19, 2024, in the institute. The workshop for teachers was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Prof. F.M. Nadaf, Officiating Principal, Deputy Director Higher Education, Government College-Borda, Margao, Goa in the presence of Director, DBCE – Fr Kinley D’Cruz, and Principal, DBCE – Dr. Neena Panandikar.

A virtual tour of the college was displayed, followed by the address of the Principal in which she gave the overview of various sessions included in this workshop that would keep us in pace with the growing advancement in technology since “we as educators have the power to ignite curiosity and unlock potentiality in our society”. The Director echoed similar thoughts and cautioned to be updated and to develop required skills to be in line with the happenings around us, “as we would soon be outdated if we continue to be spectators in our comfort zones”.

The Chief Guest, in his addressal, spoke about the role of teachers in the career development of young minds, to convert their knowledge for the better cause. This marked the end of the inaugural function and the beginning of the first seminar on “Industry 4.0 & Applications of 3D Printing” by Mr. Ajit Salunke, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering Department, DBCE. Major topics discussed were components of Industry 4.0- smart factory, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data analytics; emerging trends/ sustainable solutions- robotic surgery, virtual reality, drones, nano engineering; 3D printing technologies- fused deposition modelling, selective laser melting, stereo lithography etc. and various application of 3D printing.

The session after tea break was given by Mr. Siddhant Panjikar, Mentor for 3D printing GSInC, on “3D Printing”. A virtual tour of the rapid prototyping lab followed by the testimonies of various students who benefitted were displayed. The session began with the need of innovation, proper guidance and schemes available for young innovators. Components of 3D printers, and its applications in construction were discussed. The session ended with hands-on experience on simple 3D model construction.

Post lunch, Mr Carmelito Jose Andrade, DGCA, Certified Drone Pilot, Nuvem, Salcete-Goa gave a session on “Drone Survey- upcoming trends”. He explained the drone and its parts, drone licensing and rules in India, photogrammetry and accuracy of these surveys. At the end of the session he demonstrated the use of a drone. The workshop ended with the certificates being distributed to all the participants of the day.

Valedictory function of Kshitij 2024

The Annual Science Project Expo – Kshitij 2024 concluded its two-day event on July 19, 2024 at the college campus. The Chief Guest for the occasion was Mr Shivram Kamat, Director, Institute of Maritime Studies, Vasco-Goa. Joining Mr Kamat on the dais were dignitaries: Director – Fr Kinley D’Cruz, Principal – Dr Neena Panandikar, Kshitij Convenors – Dr Suraj Marathe, and Satyesh Kakodkar.

The programme began with a projection of a video capturing the essence of Kshitij 2024. Mrs.Avila Naik introduced the Chief Guest for the event which was followed by his addressal to the gathering. Mr Kamat said that the event Kshitij represents vast opportunities for exploration, innovation and achievements that engineers offer thus emphasizing technological advancement and advised the young crowd to maintain the understanding of basic concepts they learn in school. Giving an example of his work experience as a sailor he said that “the skill acquired by engineers should be practical and applicable in times of need”. The Director presented a token of gratitude to the Chief Guest.

This was followed by the prize distribution ceremony. The Departmental winners for Civil, Mechanical, ETC/ECS and Computer Engineering were declared by Prachi Dessai, Chetan Gaonkar, Anisha Cotta and Amey Kerker respectively. The high school and higher secondary science project winners were announced by Vaishali Parakhi. Harrison Cota announced the winners of the mini projects by First Year Engineering Students.

The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr Satyesh Kakodkar, who extended his gratitude to the Chief Guest, other dignitaries, the organisers, presenters and participants from various colleges. In all there were projects from over 25 high schools and 05 higher secondaries, and 46 projects from the host college were on display too.