Amidst the prominent global recognition garnered by India’s esteemed technological institutes, such as the renowned IITs, there exists a hidden gem within the realm of engineering education. Beyond the limelight, several lesser-known engineering colleges across India have been instrumental in nurturing exceptional talents that the nation can rightfully take pride in. Among these unsung heroes, a remarkable narrative unfolds in the heart of Tamil Nadu’s Salem district, where ingenuity and innovation have merged seamlessly.
Tucked away from mainstream attention, the Sona College of Technology emerges as a beacon of brilliance. While the spotlight often shines on private manufacturing giants like Godrej Aerospace and L&T for their contributions to monumental endeavours like Chandrayaan-3, there lies a story waiting to be told—one of unwavering determination and remarkable achievement.
In the quiet corridors of Sona College of Technology, a group of driven students and dedicated researchers embarked on a journey that would rewrite the trajectory of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. Their ingenuity gave birth to the cutting-edge creation of a simple permanent magnet stepper motor. This motor, meticulously crafted by the college’s research team, played a pivotal role in the actuator assembly of the LVM-3 rocket. A triumphant accomplishment in its own right, this motor assumed the critical responsibility of regulating the rocket engine’s intricate dance of liquid fuel and oxidizer mixture ratio.
However, this journey of innovation was a collaborative symphony, where academia and industry harmoniously converged. While Sona College of Technology conceived the motor’s design, the delicate task of production was entrusted to the capable hands of a private enterprise—Vee Technologies. This partnership became the embodiment of India’s prowess at the intersection of academia and industry, leading to a synergistic accomplishment that propelled the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft into its destined orbit.
This lesser-known yet profound tale serves as a testament to the reservoir of talent that resides within India’s educational institutions. It exemplifies the spirit of exploration, the potency of collaboration, and the sheer determination that allows institutions like Sona College of Technology to etch their names onto the annals of space exploration history. As the world applauds the triumphs of the Chandrayaan-3 mission, let us also celebrate the unsung heroes who turned dreams into reality, one meticulously designed motor at a time.
As the calendar turned to April of the current year, a momentous leap forward in India’s aspiration for an indigenous reusable launch vehicle was etched in history. In a landmark feat that echoed the capabilities of a space shuttle, ISRO orchestrated a triumphant symphony of innovation—the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) autonomous landing mission. This landmark event unfolded in the picturesque landscapes of Chitradurga, Karnataka, marking a pivotal chapter in India’s space exploration narrative. Intricately woven into the fabric of this pioneering endeavour was a critical piece of ingenuity, born from the minds at Sona Special Power Electronics and Electric Drives (Sona SPEED), an esteemed R&D unit nestled within the Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering at Sona College of Technology.
At the heart of this endeavour lay the remarkable SONA 25kW quadruplex BLDC motor—an innovation that propelled the RLV mission to new heights. This motor played a vital role in the helicopter hoist mechanism, orchestrating the graceful ascent of the RLV to an altitude of 4.5 kilometres. With precision akin to a conductor’s baton, the motor facilitated the delicate release of the RLV, setting it on a trajectory of autonomous landing upon the runway at Chitradurga. This saga of innovation unveiled the prowess of collaborative academia-industry partnerships, with Sona College of Technology emerging as a crucible of cutting-edge engineering.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the college’s first rendezvous with space exploration. In a testament to their unwavering commitment to pushing boundaries, the college’s research team previously contributed components integral to the success of Chandrayaan-2—a mission that captured the nation’s imagination and garnered international acclaim.
The chronicles of Sona College of Technology’s technological odyssey don’t cease here. Rewind to 2017, and you’ll find a remarkable feat achieved in collaboration with students from five other institutions—a student PICO satellite launched from the esteemed facilities of ISRO. This endeavour showcased the college’s dedication to nurturing not only exceptional minds but also fostering a spirit of exploration and innovation among the younger generation.
In the grand tapestry of India’s scientific pursuits, Sona College of Technology stands as a testament to the power of vision, collaboration, and unrelenting determination. From contributing to interplanetary quests to shaping the trajectory of reusable launch vehicles, this institution continues to script its name in the stars, inspiring generations to reach for the cosmos.
“We are privileged to contribute to ISRO’s Moon mission through R&D work at the Sona College of Technology. The research team is committed to supporting Isro’s future space missions too,” Prof N Kannan, Head of
Unveiling the Talent Beneath
The narrative of accomplishment isn’t limited to the spotlight’s embrace; often, the most remarkable stories emerge from the shadows. While the spotlight often shines on the pioneering achievements of illustrious engineering institutions, the journey of contribution extends far beyond the boundaries of these hallowed halls. It’s a testament to the unassailable spirit of dedication and innovation that even lesser-known engineering colleges etch their names onto the annals of scientific advancement.
A prime example of this truth is the tale of a lesser-known engineering college’s indispensable role in a groundbreaking space mission. It’s an achievement that stands as a beacon of inspiration, proving that excellence knows no confines. While the journey may be lesser-known, its impact resounds just as profoundly.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Within the echelons of India’s scientific prowess, a pattern emerges—top-tier scientists, those pivotal to the success of endeavours like ISRO’s Chandrayaan project, are often found in the corridors of regional engineering colleges. These institutions, while perhaps lacking the glamour of the elite IITs, house minds that burn with a passion for discovery. The unassuming brilliance that emanates from these regional colleges is a testament to the depth of talent that flows through the veins of the nation.
This revelation shatters preconceptions and redefines excellence. It’s a tribute to the power of opportunity, dedication, and grit, proving that ingenuity knows no bounds. These regional engineering colleges have become the nurturing ground for some of the brightest stars in the scientific constellation, casting their brilliance upon missions that redefine human understanding.
So, as the world applauds the achievements of the top scientific minds, let us also recognize and celebrate the unsung heroes who hail from regional institutions, rewriting the narrative of success. For in the tapestry of scientific advancement, brilliance isn’t reserved for the privileged few; it’s a symphony that resonates from the bottom to the highest reaches of the cosmos.
In a revelation that unravelled perceptions, an RTI application from a bygone era laid bare a truth that defied expectations—merely 2% of the brilliant minds steering the ship at ISRO hailed from the prestigious IITs and NITs, as reported by The Times of India. This revelation, a testament to the nation’s scientific depth, paints a vivid canvas of potential waiting to be explored. The grandeur of the achievement attained yesterday, one that resonates through the corridors of Indian science, serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped brilliance that resides within.
Amidst the accolades and acclaim showered upon ISRO’s leader, S. Somnath, a narrative unfolds that transcends the oft-celebrated IITs and NITs. In an age where digital discourse takes flight on platforms like X (formerly known as Twitter), Congress leader Shashi Tharoor took to the virtual stage to commend Dr. Somanath’s leadership. What strikes a resonant chord in this tribute is the revelation of Dr Somanath’s origins—a proud alumnus of TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, Kerala. This tale takes us beyond the confines of celebrated institutions, shedding light on the silent stars of the scientific panorama.
But the story doesn’t end there. The symphony of achievement resonates from another cornerstone of Kerala’s engineering education—the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram (CET). Here, amidst the lush landscapes, an assembly of minds graduated, forming a cohort that would become integral to ISRO’s fabric. Dr. Tharoor’s words become a bridge, connecting the dots of inspiration and dedication. At least seven more engineers, sculpted by CET’s nurturing halls, lent their brilliance to the intricacies of the Chandrayaan-3 endeavour.
This narrative isn’t just about individuals; it’s a tribute to the ecosystem of learning and innovation that blooms within regional institutions. The symphony of success orchestrated by these institutions, the TKM College of Engineering and the College of Engineering, Thiruvananthapuram, is a testament to the potential they nurture. These institutions stand tall as silent contributors, instrumental in weaving the tapestry of India’s scientific legacy.
As the nation basks in the glow of triumph, let it also embrace the mosaic of brilliance that emanates from every corner. For in this diverse array of talent lies the true essence of India’s scientific spirit—a force that knows no boundaries and recognizes excellence wherever it flourishes.
“Indians are rightly obsessed with the IITs, but let’s salute the alumni of unsung engineering colleges who serve the public sector with dedication & who are the backbone of national enterprises like @ISRO. IITians went to Silicon Valley; CETians took us to the moon!
For more news click here!
