GNIT Hosts AICTE-VAANI Seminar on Green Hydrogen Innovation

The Guru Nanak Institute of Technology (GNIT), part of the JIS Group Educational Initiative, successfully organised a two-day national seminar under the AICTE-VAANI scheme titled “Opportunities and Innovations in Hydrogen Energy” from November 3 to 4, 2025. The event, held at the GNIT campus, aimed to advance dialogue on hydrogen energy technologies and promote technical learning in Indian languages.

A Step Towards Green Energy and Language Inclusion

The seminar was organised jointly by the Department of Electrical Engineering (NBA Accredited) and the Department of Applied Science and Humanities. It aligned with AICTE-VAANI’s vision to strengthen science and engineering education in Indian languages, with sessions conducted primarily in Bengali. This unique initiative brought together faculty members, researchers, M.Tech scholars, and industry professionals from AICTE-approved institutions to discuss how hydrogen can redefine India’s clean energy landscape.

Dignitaries and Inaugural Ceremony

The seminar commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony and Saraswati Vandana, graced by:

• Prof. (Dr.) Swarup Kumar Mitra, Principal, GNIT
• Prof. (Dr.) Neeraj Saxena, Pro-Chancellor, JIS University
• Dr. Barnali Kundu, Professor & Head, Department of Electrical Engineering and Seminar Coordinator
• Dr. Shantanu Datta, Co-Coordinator, Department of Applied Science & Humanities

The dignitaries highlighted the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable energy solutions in achieving India’s carbon neutrality goals.

Keynote Address and Technical Sessions

The event featured a keynote session by Prof. (Dr.) Rahul Banerjee, Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Awardee (2018) and Professor at IISER Kolkata, who shared deep insights into hydrogen storage systems and carbon capture technologies. His session emphasized the need for indigenous research and innovation in hydrogen-based decarbonisation. Other notable speakers included:

• Prof. (Dr.) Jitendra Nath Bera, University of Calcutta
• Mr. Arunabha Debnath, General Manager I/c (Engineering & Projects), Indian Oil Corporation Ltd.
• Prof. (Dr.) Asim Datta, Head, Tezpur University
• Dr. Barnali Kundu, GNIT
• Mr. Saptak Bhattacherjee, Founder & CEO, Intuitive Robotics OPC Pvt. Ltd.

Their technical discussions covered a broad spectrum — from hydrogen production using water, biomass, and fossil fuels to fuel-cell utilisation, safety mechanisms, policy frameworks, and industry-academia partnerships.

Promoting Innovation and Sustainability

Participants explored India’s Net Zero vision, the potential of hydrogen-powered mobility, and community-driven energy solutions. Students and young researchers actively engaged in interactive sessions that focused on achieving an Aatmanirbhar Bharat through green innovation. The seminar was efficiently anchored by Ms. Ipsita Chakrabarty, Faculty, Department of Applied Science and Humanities, who coordinated discussions and audience interactions.