The Principal Shri Vijay Prakash Malhotra accompanied by Shri Majer Singh, Officiating Head of the Automobile Department, Shri Mayank Agrawal, Lecturer Mechanical Engineering, and Captain Manish Kumar, ANO, 7/1 Coy, 1 UP Bn, NCC, Agra reached the Air Force Station Chandigarh on 16 July itself. Arrangements for their stay had been made in the Officer’s Mess at Air Force Station, Chandigarh.

On 17^th morning, first the team was taken around the Air Force Station and shown various transport aircraft of the Air Force. They then gathered in the office of the AOC Air Commodore K S Lamba, VM.

Here, the Principal first gave a presentation in which he described the foundation of Dayalbagh and education in Dayalbagh, the establishment of the Technical School in 1927, its merger into the Dayalbagh Educational Institute (Deemed to be University) and so on. He stated that the college had produced very good engineers and technocrats who were holding high positions in government and industry. He then said that the most distinguished alumnus of the college was Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC whose 78^th birth anniversary they had celebrated last year on 17 July 2023. He explained how they came to know about Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC being a student of Technical College.

Actually, last year the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre, Chandigarh was opened on 8^th  May 2023. One of his friends, Mr Vinod Pathak along with his wife, Mrs Anita Pathak had visited the Center and there his wife saw the college blazer of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC which was displayed. This was reported to the Principal and everybody was filled with joy and emotion.

Thus they came to know about the distinguished alumnus of their college. Be it known that 21 Param Vir Chakras have been given till date and Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC is the lone recipient from the Indian Air Force to receive the Param Vir Chakra. Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC was given the Param Vir Chakra for displaying sublime heroism, supreme gallantry, flying skill, and determination, above and beyond the call of duty in the Indo-Pakistan war of 1971 when he single-handedly, in his Gnat aircraft, fought with 6 Pakistani Air Force Sabre jets and was killed in action. The highlights of the function held on 17 July 2023 to celebrate the 78^th birth anniversary of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon PVC was also shown.

The team and officers then moved to the Indian Air Force Heritage Centre. Here, the Principal read the Citation on Flying Officer Nirmal jit Singh Sekhon PVC and then presented it to the Air Commodore K S Lamba VM. At the end, mementos were presented to the Air Commodore K S Lamba VM and Mr Pradhuman Singh, Director Tourism, Chandigarh.

The function refreshed memories of Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon in everybody’s mind and filled everybody’s heart with respect and admiration for the brave heart. Jai Hind!

The events received active participation from respected leaders and decision-makers representing higher educational institutions, skill development councils, and national-level teacher training bodies in the North region. The discussions were skillfully moderated by Mr. James Dingle.

Throughout the deliberations, leaders from various institutions and government bodies engaged in insightful conversations regarding the vital role of communication skills in the landscape of higher education. They extensively discussed the impact of communication skills on students’ employability and their potential for international mobility.

The participants also delved into discussions surrounding government policies aimed at enhancing students’ employability skills. Additionally, effective strategies for implementing initiatives to enhance communication skills within higher educational institutions were explored. The ultimate objective was to achieve improved academic outcomes and bolster the employability skills of students through these concerted efforts.

These Focused Group Discussions provided a valuable platform for sharing rich insights and fostering collaborative dialogue. They nurtured a shared vision among all participants regarding the advancement of education in the North region and the importance of overcoming language barriers, promoting inclusivity, and optimizing instructional efficacy in higher educational institutions.

By implementing the outcomes of these discussions, educational stakeholders can work together to address the challenges and improve the overall educational landscape in North India.