Dr. KCG Verghese Excellence Awards honor the best!

It was an occasion to rejoice for the Hindustan Group of Institutions this month as they commemorated the 73rd birth anniversary of their Founder Chairman Dr K.C.G. Verghese by announcing Dr K.C.G. Verghese Excellence Awards for 2013. The occasion saw Dr E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Minister of State for commerce and Industry, Government of India donning the role of the special guest, while the Chief Guest for the event was Lt Gen S.S. Jog, Commandant, OTA, Chennai. Dr Mrs Elizabeth Verghese, Chairperson, Hindustan Group went on to deliver the commemoration speech.

Dr K.C.G. Verghese Excellence Awards will be an annual affair presented by the Hindustan Group. The main motive of these awards is to recognize those individuals who have gone on to excel in their chosen fields. The lifetime achievement award was given to Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group CEO--Air Asia, for his contributions in the fields of aviation, trade and commerce, international associations and towards the growth and development in Malaysia. Eminent filmmaker S. Priyadarshan Nair bagged the Excellence Award in the field of Culture and Entertainment for his contribution to the society via his motivational movies in myriad languages.

Dilip R Vellodi, chairman & CEO, Sutherland Global Services was the recipient of the Excellence Award in the field of Business. Dilip bagged this award for having contributed immensely to the industry using his pioneering idea as he created a company from scratch to a level where it would be doing business worth close to $700 million with its employee strength of 13,000.

The ‘Distinguished Alumnus Excellence Award’ went to Munirathanam Javaji, Director, Assystem India Private Limited. Munirathanam has successful carried forward the vision of the Founder, representing HITS in front of the corporate world.

Troy Justice, Senior Director, Basket Ball operations - International, NBA--won the Excellence Award in the field of sport for his contribution to the basket ball players of our country, and for the development of BFI (Basketball Federation of India) (BFI) and for bringing brand NBA to our nation.

Speaking during the event, Dr Mrs Elizabeth Verghese said, “Dr K.C.G. Verghese was a visionary who built the entire edifice of the Hindustan Group of Institutions. His qualities of vision, perseverance and enthusiasm helped create a springboard for myriad aspirants to shape their careers. Despite being born in an ordinary middle class family in Kerala, he went on to become one of the most renowned educationists in the country. This award is in memory of this industrialist, educationist and visionary of non-formal technical education."

The occasion also saw a coffee table book titled '45 years of 'HIET' was released by Lieutenant General S.S.Jog. The book captures the journey of this premier technical institution. Lieutenant General S.S.Jog sai, "It is my honour to be a part of such an awards ceremony which recognizes the individuals who have significantly contributed to the cause and benefit of this society at large. I am thankful to Hindustan Group of Institutions for giving me this opportunity. I congratulate the awardees and convey my wishes to students"

A net amount of Rs.3 crores has been awarded as Scholarship for Students fo Adopted schools and also for students of Hindustan Group of Instituions who have excelled in Sports

Hindustan Group of Institutions presented Dr. K.C.G. Verghese Excellence Awards – 2013

Air Asia Group Chief Executive Officer Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes announces commencement of Indian operations and promises to dedicate the first aircraft to Dr. K.C.G. Verghese

Chennai, Saturday, June 29, 2013: Speaking after receiving the Dr.K.C.G.Verghese Life Time Achievement award in Chennai, Tan Sri Dr.Tony Fernandes, CEO AirAsia said that he is greatly moved by the life and vision Dr.K.C.G.Verghese. Hindustan Group of Institutions announced Dr. K.C.G. Verghese Excellence Awards’13 to commemorate the 73rd birth anniversary of their Founder Chairman Dr. K.C.G. Verghese. The Special Guest was Dr. E. M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Honourable Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Government of India. The Chief Guest for the evening was Lieutenant General S. S. Jog, Commandant, OTA, Chennai. Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese, Chairperson, Hindustan Group of Institutions presided over the event and Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Director, Air Asia was the Guest of Honour and he delivered the commemoration speech.

The event was witnessed by more than 400 people. The journey of KCG Verghese was presented to the audience leaving them inspired with his contribution to the aviation and education industry. The awards aimed to recognise the achievement of individuals who have excelled in their respective fields. Dr. E. M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Lieutenant General S. S. Jog, gave away the four Excellence Awards and the Lifetime Achievement Award was presented by Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. E. M. Sudarsana Natchiappan, Honourable Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Government of India, said “I’am feeling extremely privileged and honoured to be part of such a great event. Dr. KCG Verghese, with his profound qualities of enthusiasm, perseverance, vision and live networking created a springboard for many aspirants to mould their careers.”

Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes, Group Chief Executive Officer, Air Asia, was honoured with The LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD for his significant contributions to the fields of Aviation, International Associations, Trade and Commerce, Hospitality, Sports and contribution to Malaysia’s growth and development. 

"KCG Verghese is an inspiration and it is an honour to receive the KCG Verghese Lifetime Achievement Award instituted in his memory." said Group Chief Executive Officer of Air Asia ,Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes. We will be in India and will have our Head Office in Chennai.  He also reiterated that, "when Air Asia begins its Indian operations, we will dedicate our first Aircraft to Dr.K.C.G.Verghese." Tan Sri Dr. Tony Fernandes vowed to recruit the airline staff in India from Hindustan Group of Institutions. He added that AirAsia look forward to revolutionise air travel in India by providing services at affordable prices.

The Excellence Award in the field of Culture and Entertainment was given away to Mr. S Priyadarshan Nair, Eminent Film Director, Producer and Screenwriter, for his graceful contribution to the society through his inspirational movies in many languages.  Mr. Mr. Dilip R Vellodi, Chairman and CEO, Sutherland Global Services was presented with Excellence Award in the field of Business, for his outstanding contribution to the industry through his innovative Business Ideas. On behalf of Mr. Dilip R Vellodi, The award was collected by Mr. K. S. Kumar, Head, Global Operations, Sutherland Global Services. Excellence Award in the field of sport was bagged by Mr. Troy Justice, Senior Director, Basketball Operations – International, NBA, For his remarkable contribution to our Nation and the basket ball players of India and the world and for assisting the Basketball Federation of India (BFI) in its development.

Alumnus Excellence Award was given away to Mr. Munirathnam Javaji, Director, Assystem India Private Limited, for being the iconic brand in representing Hindustan Group to the corporate world and carrying forward the Founder’s vision “ TO MAKE EVERY MAN A SUCCESS AND NO MAN A FAILURE ”.

On the occasion, a coffee table book titled ‘45 years of HIET’ was released by Lieutenant General S. S. Jog. The book captures the journey of this premier technical institution. Lieutenant General S. S. Jog said, “It is my honour to be a part of such an awards ceremony which recognizes the individuals who have significantly contributed to the cause and benefit of this society at large. I am thankful to Hindustan Group of Institutions for giving me this opportunity. I congratulate the awardees and convey my wishes to students.”

Scholarship of Rs 3 crores has been awarded for Students of Adopted Schools and also for Students of Hindustan Group of Institutions who have excelled in Sports.    

About Hindustan Group of Institutions:

The Hindustan Group of Institutions was founded in 1966 by late Dr. K.C.G. Verghese. He was a true visionary and had realized the need for an institution that offers non-formal technical education. The establishment of Hindustan Engineering Training Centre (HETC) helped in the evolution of Hindustan Institution of Engineering Technology (HIET) which met this need. Dr. K.C.G. Verghese also headed several other group institutions namely KCG College of Technology, Hindustan College of Arts & Science, National Institute of Management Studies & Orient Flight School. These institutions aim at imparting quality education in the fields of engineering, aviation, applied sciences and management.  Institution is proud to have catered to 15,000 students and 1,300 Faculty. 

Standing From Left to Right :

Mrs.Susan Marthandan, Director – Hindustan College of Arts and Science

Mrs.Annie Jacob Verghese, Director – KCG College of Technology

Mr.Munirathnam Javaji, Director , Assystem India & Founder CEO – Javaji M Consulting, (Winner of Distinguished Alumnus Excellence Award)

Mr.Troy Justice, Sr. Director , National Basket Ball Association (NBA), USA (Winner of Excellence Award in Sports)

Shri.S.Priyadarshan Nair, Film Director, Producer and Screen writer ( winner of Excellence Award in Culture and Entertainment)

Dr.Mrs.Elizabeth Verghese - Chairperson , Hindustan Group of Institutions

Lt.Gen.SS Jog, SM, VSM - Commandant, OTA, Chennai - Chief Guest

Tan Sri Dr.Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia - Guest of Honour and winner of Life Time Achievement Award

Mr.KS Kumar, Head, Global Operations, Sutherland Global services (Received Award on behalf of Mr.Dilp R Vellodi –Business Excellence Award)

Shri Walter Devaram IPS, Former Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu

Dr.Prem Marthandan, Director – Hindustan College of Arts and Science

Mr.Ashok Verghese, Director – Hindustan Group of Institutions

Why Engineering continues to be the biggest draw for students?

About 1.5crores of engineers every year, pass out from various institutions across the country. Most of them not only walk out with fancy degrees, but also pass out with jobs in their hands. There may be numerous career options in front of the modern student today, but engineering continues to rule the roost.

The last few decades has seen numerous colleges mushroom across the length and breadth of India. The engineers who have passed out have made a name not only for themselves but for their respective institutions. Engineering as a profession has given tremendous boost for the economy of our country, and not surprisingly—India today grows at a frenetic pace to be in sync with the world’s Numero Uno economies.

what makes engineering an evergreen hero amidst a sea of newcomers? There are a host of aspects which go in favor of this profession:

• Parental influence: Most of the students who opt for engineering as a career are influenced deeply by their parents who would have had fledging engineering careers.

• Ambition: Some of the biggest inventions in the world have been born an offshoot of an engineer’s mind. Be it Wright Brothers putting in place the world’s first flying machine or Thomas Alva Edison giving birth to light---engineers have always been part of the folklore. For any student---getting to know the exploits of these legends through textbooks or other mediums---fires up their engineering mind.

• Inspiration from near and dear ones: Be it your sister/distant cousin who took up engineering as a career choice and has done well---students continue to be flummoxed by this profession and those associated with it.

• Career prospects: The great recession or the slowdown of the economy does not necessarily affect the way students approach engineering as their chosen careers simply because the pros are much more to digest than the cons.

The bottom line

The Indian education sector and our economy has risen to dizzying heights in the last 5-6 decades simply on the strength of those tireless engineers who have continued to be present in all walks of our lives—from building structures to designing the next best thing in the field of Information Technology. 

With prestigious colleges such as the IITs, NITs, HITS churning out engineers each year, they are nothing but the building blocks of a nation that is all set to take the next step in its path to match the might of the big guns of the globe.

Mahindra Auto Quotient 2012

Mahindra's Auto Quotient for the year 2012 Chennai city round was held in Hindustan University. IT was jointly organized by the Department of Automobile Engineering and the Department of Placement.

There were nearly 500 students with 250 teams from various colleges in and around Chennai participated. There were two rounds: written test and from that top six teams were selected for the final round on stage.
The event was inaugurated by Dr. A. Joseph Stanley, Director (Academics). Mr.Siddarath Patankar, the popular broadcast business journalist and news anchor, NDTV’s Car & Bike Show was the Quiz Master.

The city finals consisted of five rounds of questions and six teams had participated. Out of the six teams selected, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore was placed first and Sri Sairam Engineering College won the second place. The next round will be the South Zone finals, which will take place in Mumbai in the month of November.

Mr. Ashok Verghese, Director presented memento to Mr.Siddarath Patankar; Dr.Illavazhagan Director (Research) presented memento to Mr.Madave Nane, Marketing Head M&M Mahindra. Dr.K.Sarukesi, Vice Chancellor presented memento to Mr.Anjan Mahindra official.

The Director presented the winner’s trophy to the PSG team and the Vice Chancellor Dr K.Sarukesi presented the runners up trophy to Sri Sairam team.

Prizes and gifts were distributed to the other four teams by the Director Mr. Ashok Verghese, the Vice-Chancellor Dr.K.Sarukesi, the Director (Research) Dr.Illavazhagan and the HOD (Auto) Dr.M.Subramianian.

Science Meet - 2012

The School of Applied Sciences organized the SCIENCE MEET on 15 October 2012 at 10 am in the

    

Dr. A. Joseph Stanley, Director Academic gave an insight about the importance of Physics and Chemistry for engineering students. The inaugural address was given by Dr. P. Sai Prasad, Deputy Director, Entrepreneurship Development and Institute, Chennai. The students were open to the various current environmental issues through his speech.

The valedictory address was given by Dr. T. S. Natarajan, Professor of Physics, IIT, Chennai in K. S. Moorthy Hall at 12.30pm. He spoke on "Learning Physics through Experiments". The students were inspired by the practical methodology applied by him. It was a thought provoking lecture. By handling many practical and day to day examples he made it as an interactive one.

As a part of the Science Meet 2012, Quiz Competition and Debate were conducted.

Fiesta 2012

The reverting beat of something new in the air, a hop in the walk, a curiosity to know and explore the world hit the crescendo for the freshers, as the formal ice-breaking ceremony of FIESTA 12 jingled through the ambience of the University. In queue was the talent of the future auroras waiting to be hoisted on the University platform.

The programme commenced with a word of prayer by the Student Chaplain, Rev. Joby Samuel, and an Invocation dance by Nithya & Saranya. The welcome address was given by the Vice Chancellor Dr. K. Sarukesi who asked the students to be goal-oriented, and wished them a joyful journey of four years.

The cultural extravaganza saw the Band Error 404 performing renowned covers and leaving the audience asking for more

Performance by Band “Error 404”

Raw Rhythm Creed (a group dance by girls) left the audience spell-bound by their integrated style of lyrical hip hop, rock and roll and the traditional folk.

Performance by “Raw Rhythm Creed”

The first batch of Fashion Design & Arts set the ramp on fire with their iconic paper designs fashioned and styled, keeping in mind the Japanese paper art Origami in mind

Designed by the “School of Fashion Design and Arts”

Mr. Ashok Verghese, Director Hindustan University, stated in his Presidential Address that youth can validate their time to mould and chisel their soul and mind. This is the most appropriate time, he said, to inculcate values, ethics, and a positive thought-process and create an environment for learning and to accumulate knowledge so as to gain an edge for competitiveness. He also stated that the fresher should be well-versed with their subject matter and aim for the best placements possible.

Presidential Address by Mr. Ashok Verghese, Director Hindustan University

The Chief Guest for the event, Mr. Thomas Verghese Simon, Vice-President and Global Head - Talent Engagement, Tata Consultancy Services, was impressed by the power show of talent where he felt he saw a blend of MTV & FTV. He stated that in today’s competitive world it is important to adapt or face the danger of being extinct. He emphasized the importance of 3R-Reform, Recoup & Rethink that will spin the wheel of change. Human values like compassion and humility are constant in this seasonal world and help us anchor the most difficult and terrific times. He concluded his remarks by encouraging the students to ask 3 questions before they hit the pillow so as to make their life meaningful and purposeful. Have I lived, loved and laughed?

Chief Guest, Mr. Thomas Verghese Simon, Vice-President and Global Head - Talent Engagement, Tata Consultancy Services

The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Joseph Stanley Director Academic.

3rd Annual Convocation 2012

Hindustan University organised its 3rd Annual Convocation on 06 October 2012 for conferring Post Graduate and Under Graduate degrees on successful graduating students of its Engineering, Technology and Management programmes held at MGR Hall, University campus.

The Annual Convocation started with the traditional academic procession at 2:30 PM, followed by the invocation.

The convocation was declared open by Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese, Chancellor, Hindustan University. The welcome address and report on Convocation 2012 was presented by the Vice-Chancellor, Dr. K. Sarukesi. A total of 1296 students had graduated in the academic year 2012 after having successfully passed the university examinations. Among the conferred degrees, 2 were Ph.D., 9 M.Phil. 450 PG and 773 UG across different disciplines.

Prof. K. V. Thomas, Honourable Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Independent Charge), Govt. of India presided over as the Chief Guest on the occasion. In his convocation address, he said the purpose of education is to transform the individuals and the society and he considered education as an instrument of change. He mentioned that universalisation of education is required and there should be a path towards inter-disciplinary knowledge and skills. Towards the end of his speech he recalled his association with Dr. K. C. G. Verghese and mentioned his vision and realisation of imparting the quality and the best education to all.

The Degrees of Doctorate of Letters (Honoris Causa) was conferred upon the Guests of Honour Mr. M. Narendra, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Overseas Bank and Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairperson and CEO, Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited [TAFE] in person. They were given away by Prof K. V. Thomas, Honourable Minister & Chief Guest and Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese.

In his acceptance speech, Dr. Narendra, Guest of Honour (Honoris Causa) expressed his pleasure of having received the award of Doctorate of Letters and dedicated the same to the contributions of whole family of Indian Overseas Bank. He reposed faith in the education imparted to the students at Hindustan University and said that all have high hopes pinned on them towards contributing to society and nation as a whole. He said the role of faculty is also equally significant as that of the institution in shaping and making them socially responsible.

In her acceptance speech, Dr. Mallika Srinivasan, Guest of Honour (Honoris Causa), with all gratitude expressed and dedicated her achievement to the service for the society (farming). She congratulated Hindustan University and the top management for having followed the foot-prints of late Founder & Chairman Dr. K.C.G Verghese in realising the vision statement towards betterment of many. In her message to the graduating students she urged them to have positive attitude towards goal orientation, maintain the core values, follow the principle of life, perseverance towards excellence which are key factors of success.
32 students from different disciplines of Post Graduate programmes and 17 students from Under Graduate programmes conferred upon with medals and certificates for distinction of securing ranks. Dr. A. J. Stanley, Director-Academics, Hindustan University gave away the medals and certificates. All the students were awarded the certificates by the respective Deans. In all a total of 870 students received the degree certificates in-person and 426 students will receive in-absentia.

Members at Convocation 2012. From left: Dr. K. Sarukesi, Vice-Chancellor, Hindustan University, Dr. M. Narendra, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Overseas Bank & Guest of Honour (Honoris Causa), Mr. Ashok Verghese, Director, Hindustan University, Prof. K. V. Thomas, Honurable Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Independent Charge), Govt. of India and Chief Guest – Convocation 2012, Dr. Mrs. Elizabeth Verghese, Chancellor, Hindustan Univerity, Dr. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairperson and CEO, Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited [TAFE] and Guest of Honour (Honoris Causa), Dr. Aby Sam, Director, Hindustan Group of Institutions.

Convocation address by Prof. K. V. Thomas, Honourable Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution (Independent Charge), Govt. of India and Chief Guest.

Dr. M. Narendra, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Overseas Bank & Guest of Honour and recipient of Doctorate of Letters (Honoris Causa) at 3rd Annual Convocation of Hindustan University.

Recipient of Doctorate of Letters (Honoris Causa) Dr. Mallika Srinivasan, Chairperson and CEO, Tractors and Farm Equipment Limited [TAFE].