Aligarh: The Department of Electrical Engineering in Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology at Aligarh Muslim University, inaugurated a one-week Faculty Development Program on ‘Sustainable Energy and Society: Recent Advances and Future’, under the ATAL initiative approved by the All India Council for Technical Education.

The program has drawn participants from premier institutions across India, including IITs, NITs, and Central Universities.

The event, presided over by AMU Vice Chancellor Prof Naima Khatoon, featured an inaugural ceremony coordinated by Dr Sheeraz Kirmani, Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering, and attended by dignitaries. Prof Prateek Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Delhi Technological University, was the Chief Guest, while Shaheedul Hasan, COO of KP Energy Group, served as the Guest of Honor.

In his opening remarks, Prof Abu Tariq, Chairman, the Department of Electrical Engineering, highlighted the significance of sustainable energy in contemporary society. Dr Sheeraz Kirmani, elaborated on the objectives of the program, emphasizing its relevance in addressing global energy challenges.

Addressing the gathering, Prof Mohd Muzammil, Principal of ZHCET, and Prof Nesar Ahmad, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, underlined the critical need for sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change and promote resilience.

Prof Naima Khatoon, Vice Chancellor, AMU, applauded the initiative, stating, “This FDP is a timely effort to discuss the challenges and opportunities in transitioning to sustainable energy systems. It reflects AMU's commitment to addressing global priorities.”

Chief Guest Prof Prateek Sharma stressed the importance of leveraging technological innovations to achieve sustainable development, while Guest of Honor Shaheedul Hasan highlighted the necessity of bridging the gap between academia and industry to drive advancements in renewable energy.

The week-long FDP will feature expert lectures by eminent resource persons from IITs, NITs, and other leading institutions, providing a robust platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange between academia and industry. The organizing committee, including Dr Obaidur Rahman, Dr Mohd Rizwan Khalid, and Dr Qurratulain, facilitated the proceedings.

This initiative marks a significant stride toward building a sustainable energy ecosystem, aligning with global energy goals and addressing pressing environmental challenges.