To enhance and update knowledge of teaching faculty and strengthen Industry Academia Interface, a four day workshop on “Refining and Petrochemicals” was organized by Petroleum Federation of India jointly with Lovraj Kumar Memorial Trust (LKMT), Indian Oil Corporation Limited and B.R. Ambedkar National Institute of Technology (NIT), Jalandhar from August 25-28, 2010 at NIT, Jalandhar. A study tour to IOCL’s Pipeline Terminal and LPG Bottling Plant, at Jalandhar was undertaken on August 28, 2010.

Twenty eight faculty members from five Engineering Colleges and three Universities in the states of Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, West Bengal and Uttaranchal participated in the Workshop.  There was no fee and boarding and lodging was provided by organisers.

Of the 14 lectures delivered during the programme, 11 were by experts from IOCL, 2 from Axens India Pvt. Ltd. and one from Engineers India Ltd.  A compendium of the lectures was given to each participant.
Dr.M.K.Jha Professor and Head of Department of Chemical Engineering, N.I.T. Jalandhar and Chief Coordinator of the Workshop in his welcome address informed about the Chemical Engineering Congress 2012 at NIT Jalandhar.

Mr. R K Ghosh, Executive Director, Panipat Refinery Complex, Indian Oil Corporation Limited inaugurating the workshop highlighted the need for such events to meet the increasing needs of the petroleum sector in the Country.

Dr. A K Jain, Director, Sardar Swaran Singh National Institute of Renewable Energy, Jalandhar shared his thoughts on the Country’s energy scenario and the urgent need to focus on development of alternate sources for energy security.

Dr. S.B.S. Mishra, Director (Officiating), NIT Jalandhar in his presidential   address spoke of the contributions of Mr. Lovraj Kumar, whom he knew personally, in the growth and development of the Oil and Gas sector.

While proposing a vote of thanks, Mr. S L Das Director, (BD &C) PetroFed, informed participants that 10 such programmes had been conducted so far and about 250 teaching faculty had participated in these programmes.

During his valedictory address Dr. S.B.S. Mishra, Director (Officiating), NIT, Jalandhar appreciated PetroFed/LKMT’s efforts in organizing the workshop and said that it will go a long way in helping teaching faculty coach and prepare the students better for meeting industry’s requirements.

Dr. M.K. Jha, Prof.  & HOD, Chemical Engineering Deptt. presented a brief report on the workshop at the Valedictory Session.

Proposing a vote of thanks at the Valedictory Session, Sh. S.S. Ramgarhia, Director (Policy and Planning), PetroFed elaborated on the background of the programme and the efforts made to strengthen Industry Academia Interface to develop skilled manpower for the Oil & Gas sector.

The participants rated the overall effectiveness of the programme at 85%.

Click here to view programme and presentations.