Ahalia School of Engineering and Technology (ASET) successfully conducted a two-day workshop, “Essentials for Practicing Electrical Engineers,” held on February 12th and 13th, 2025. The workshop, designed for 49 students of second, third, and final-year EEE department, was organized in association with the National Federation of Engineers for Electrical Safety (NFE), the Safety Council of Kerala, IQAC, IIC, and IEDC.
Day 1: Fundamentals and Regulatory Landscape
The workshop began with registration and the inaugural session. Dr. Pradip C, Professor, EEE Dept., welcomed the attendees and offered felicitations. Dr. G. Murugananth, Professor and HOD of the EEE Department, then delivered the presidential address. A. Manickavasagam, Assistant Professor, EEE Dept. coordinated the workshop sessions. Mr. Rajan M Menon, President of NFE Kerala State Centre, led sessions on the essential requirements for practicing engineers, covering basic electrical knowledge, statutory regulations, and compliance. Participants then learned about coordinating with licensees, including rules, regulations, basic requirements, the supply code, and control mechanisms. The forenoon continued with sessions exploring the regulatory commission’s role and dispute resolution mechanisms, such as the ombudsman, grievance redressal, and electrical safety regulations.
NFE Kerala President Rajan M Menon led sessions on essential requirements for practicing engineers.
A practical session on understanding domestic electricity bills allowed participants to analyze their own e-bills, gaining a clearer understanding of the various components and mobile-based bill inquiry. The forenoon concluded with an analysis of institutional electricity bills, reviewing consumption patterns and safety aspects over the past year
In the afternoon, participants visited the Ahalia Solar Farm, gaining firsthand experience with renewable energy generation. The day ended with a feedback session.
Day 2: Power Systems and Practical Applications
Day 2, The forenoon sessions began with a detailed exploration of transformer ratings and selection, followed by an overview of the components of power systems. Following a tea break, Mr. Venugopalan P, Secretary of the Safety Council of Kerala, discussed captive power plants. The subsequent session on Protection & Switchgear was handled by Mr. Alexander.The afternoon session provided students with practical experience through visits to the Ahalia Substation and Captive Power Plant. This immersive experience allowed students to witness the real-world application of the concepts discussed during the workshop.
Mr. Venugopalan P, Secretary of the Safety Council of Kerala, explains the principles of captive power plants to students.
Mr. Alexander, an expert electrical engineer and entrepreneur, provided valuable insights during the substation and captive power plant visits, sharing his practical experience and entrepreneurial journey with the students. A final feedback session concluded the program, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Vipindas K.
Mr. Alexander demonstrates and explains protection and switchgear equipment to students.
Key Highlights and Outcomes:
- 49 students from the EEE Department participated.
- The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, from fundamental electrical knowledge to advanced power system concepts.
- Site visits to renewable energy and power facilities provided invaluable practical experience.
- The collaboration with NFE, the Safety Council of Kerala, IQAC, IIC, and IEDC enriched the workshop content and provided students with access to industry expertise.
- Feedback from participants indicated a high level of satisfaction and a significant increase in their understanding of the subject matter.
- A highlight of the event was the recognition that ASET is home to India’s first NFE student chapter.
Resource Persons:
- Day 1: Mr. Rajan M Menon, President, NFE Kerala State Centre
- Day 2: Mr. Venugopalan P, Secretary, Safety Council of Kerala, and Mr. Alexander, Expert Electrical Engineer and Entrepreneur
Organizing Team:
Two-day workshop, “Essentials for Practicing Electrical Engineers,” held on February 12th and 13th, 2025
- Convener & Presidential Address: Dr. G. Murugananth, Professor & HOD, EEE Dept.
- Welcome Note & Felicitation: Dr. Pradip C, Professor, EEE Dept.
- Coordinator: A. Manickavasagam, Assistant Professor, EEE Dept.
- Co-coordinator & Vote of Thanks: Vipindas.K, Assistant Professor, EEE Dept.
Looking Ahead:
ASET remains committed to providing its students with practical, industry-relevant education. This workshop is one of many initiatives designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry, equipping students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their careers. The institution plans to conduct similar workshops in the future.