Aligarh, May 25, 2026: Director General of Police and Special Protection Group Director Alok Sharma has called upon engineering students to focus on practical learning, applied knowledge and innovation-led problem solving, stressing that technical education must be closely aligned with industry requirements and real-world challenges.

Speaking at the inauguration of Project Expo 2025–26, organised by the Zakir Husain College of Engineering and Technology (ZHCET), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), Sharma said engineering should not remain limited to classroom theory. He described engineering as an applied science that must contribute to technological progress, professional excellence and nation-building.

Addressing students, faculty members and industry representatives, Sharma encouraged young engineers to combine theoretical understanding with practical implementation, innovation and professional skills. He said that the future of engineering education depends on how effectively institutions prepare students to solve practical problems through technology, research and industry-linked learning.

The event also highlighted the growing importance of collaboration between educational institutions and industries. Sunil Dutta, General Secretary of the Tala Nagri Industrial Development Association (TNIDA) and guest of honour at the expo, emphasised the need for stronger partnerships between academia and industry.

Dutta suggested that institutions should introduce short-term professional courses, skill-based training programmes and industry-oriented learning models to improve employability and practical exposure among students. He said educational institutions must evolve into “earning centres” along with being learning centres by enabling students to develop market-relevant skills and entrepreneurial capabilities.

He also expressed hope that Aligarh, traditionally known as “Tala Nagri” for its lock industry, could gradually transform into “Tech Nagri” through innovation, technology adoption and industry-supported education.

AMU Acting Vice-Chancellor Mohd Mohsin Khan visited the exhibition stalls and interacted with participating students. He appreciated the efforts of the organisers, faculty members and students for promoting innovation, interdisciplinary learning and research culture within the university.

The event provided a platform for students to demonstrate their technical abilities and present solutions linked to emerging technologies and sustainable development.

Mohd Hasan, Dean, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, and Mohd Muzammil, Principal of ZHCET, said the expo served as an important opportunity for students to showcase their technical skills, innovative ideas and project-based learning outcomes.

The exhibition featured a wide range of student-led projects across multiple engineering and technology domains. Projects were presented by students from departments including mechanical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, electronics engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, architecture and petroleum studies.

Key project themes included:

Artificial Intelligence and Robotics: Students presented technology-driven solutions linked to automation, intelligent systems and future applications of AI.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability: Several projects focused on clean energy, sustainable development and environment-friendly engineering solutions.

Automation and Smart Technologies: The expo included innovative models related to industrial automation, smart systems and applied engineering solutions.

Interdisciplinary Innovation: Projects reflected collaboration across different branches of engineering, showing how multidisciplinary learning can support practical problem solving.

The exhibition reflected the increasing role of project-based learning in technical education and highlighted how universities can nurture innovation among engineering students.

A felicitation ceremony was also held during the event to recognise student achievements in placements, academics and research. Among the students honoured was Irshad Ahmad, a ZHCET student, who was felicitated for securing a placement at Black Box AI with an annual package of ₹3.3 crore.

The recognition highlighted the growing opportunities available for skilled engineering graduates in emerging technology sectors, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, software development, automation and digital innovation.

The AMU Project Expo 2025–26 reflects a broader shift in India’s technical education landscape, where institutions are increasingly focusing on industry-oriented education, applied research, practical training and future-ready skills.

For students, such platforms offer exposure to real-world applications, industry expectations and innovation-led learning. For institutions, they provide an opportunity to strengthen industry linkages, encourage entrepreneurship and prepare graduates for fast-changing technology-driven job markets.

The call for short-term professional courses and skill-based programmes is especially relevant at a time when industries are looking for graduates who can adapt quickly, work with emerging technologies and contribute from day one.

SPG Director Alok Sharma urged AMU engineering students to focus on applied knowledge, innovation and industry-oriented technical education at ZHCET Project Expo 2025–26, which showcased projects in AI, robotics, renewable energy and automation.