Innovation and research continue to redefine the modern world every day, but true breakthroughs emerge only when individuals understand the fundamentals behind every discovery, said Prakash Balasubramanian, senior director at Infineon Technologies and an alumnus of PDA Engineering College.

He was speaking after inaugurating “Nirmaan Utsav” - a technical and cultural fest organised at HKES’ Poojya Doddappa Appa Engineering College in Kalaburagi city on Friday.

Highlighting the importance of foundational knowledge, Dr. Balasubramanian noted that several revolutionary technologies evolved through continuous refinement over decades.

He cited the example of early scientific discoveries made in 1958 that were later redesigned and upgraded to suit changing technological needs. Understanding such evolutionary journeys, he said, inspires students to think innovatively and contribute meaningfully to future advancements.

Speaking about industry trends, Dr. Balasubramanian pointed out that the rise of automated vehicles demonstrates how multidisciplinary engineering collaboration has become essential in today’s world.

Developing a single automobile now requires expertise from multiple engineering domains, making it imperative for students to stay informed about global technological advancements and adapt accordingly, he said.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shaloo urged students to complement academic learning with practical exposure and active participation in creative and technical activities. She emphasised the growing relevance of emerging fields such as drones, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and machine learning, encouraging students to stay updated with real-world developments.

The police officer also cautioned students against the misuse of technology and rising cybercrime incidents, where fraudsters exploit fear to extort money online.

Stressing the need for cyber awareness, she urged them to remain vigilant against the growing threat of drug abuse and to avoid falling into harmful influences or peer pressure.

She also encouraged students to play an active role in keeping their community safe by immediately informing the police about any suspicious or drug-related activities.

HKE Society president and MLC Shashil Namoshi said PDA Engineering College is nurturing a generation of proactive and future-ready students. Platforms such as technical festivals help develop leadership qualities while offering students opportunities to showcase their talents, he observed.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of India’s growth decade, Mr. Namoshi said sectors such as artificial intelligence, space technology, digital innovation and green energy are playing transformative roles in shaping the future. Engineering, he added, is not merely about employment but about creating solutions and driving innovation.

The celebrations at Nirmaan Utsav witnessed enthusiastic participation from students. The event began with a marathon organised by students, followed by flash mob performances and dance presentations along the route.

Technical competitions, including the Techno Vision Hackathon, attracted budding innovators and aspiring engineers.