Research and Development Cell – SMVEC
The Research and Development Cell of SMVEC proudly organized the inauguration of EV Saksham – Hands-on Training to Build Electric Vehicles on 2nd February 2026.
The program marked a significant step towards empowering students with practical knowledge and technical expertise in the rapidly evolving field of Electric Vehicles (EVs).
A Graceful Commencement
The program began with the melodious rendition of Thamizhthai Vazhthu, creating a calm and respectful atmosphere for the occasion. The hymn reflected deep cultural pride and honoured the richness of Tamil language and tradition. This was followed by the inspiring chorus of the SMVEC Anthem, which symbolized the values, vision, and aspirations of the institution. The anthem beautifully highlighted SMVEC’s dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and strong ethical principles.
Ceremonial Lighting of the Kuthuvilakku – Emblem of Wisdom and Prosperity
The ceremony proceeded with the traditional lighting of the Kuthuvilakku, marking an auspicious start to the event. Esteemed dignitaries jointly lit the ceremonial lamp, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the spread of knowledge and enlightenment. This meaningful tradition signifies the welcoming of wisdom, positivity, and prosperity, setting a graceful tone for the proceeding
Welcome Address
Dr. K. Velmurugan, Dean – Research, warmly welcomed the dignitaries, resource persons, faculty, and students to EV Saksham at Sri Manakula Vinayagar Engineering College. He thanked the management for their support in organizing the workshop. He highlighted the growing importance of Electric Vehicles and sustainable mobility. He emphasized the need for students to upgrade their skills in emerging EV technologies. He encouraged students to actively participate and make the best use of the hands-on training session.
Honouring the Dignitaries
The dignitaries were formally honoured as a mark of respect and appreciation for their valuable presence and contribution to the institution.
Felicitation Address
Dr. S. Jayakumar, Controller of Examinations, delivered the felicitation address highlighting the importance of industry-based hands-on training in engineering education. He appreciated the EV Saksham initiative for aligning with India’s sustainable mobility and green energy goals. He emphasized that such programs bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. He noted that practical exposure in EV technology prepares students to meet industry demands. He encouraged participants to utilize the training effectively and contribute to the nation’s growing EV ecosystem.
Presidential Address
In his Presidential Address, Shri D. Rajarajan, Treasurer, spoke about the transformational impact of Electric Vehicles on the automobile industry, comparing it to how smartphones revolutionized communication. Referring to Tesla as an example, he explained the concept of “first principle thinking” and how true innovation begins by questioning traditional systems. He emphasized that modern EVs are not merely cars but multidisciplinary systems integrating mechanical, electrical, software, and AI technologies. He also highlighted the importance of understanding engineering trade-offs such as battery capacity, range, cost, safety, and performance. He encouraged students to utilize the workshop effectively and equip themselves with future-ready skills in the rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.
Chief Guest Address
Mr. K. S. Nimith, Electric Vehicle System Engineer, Capabl, Bengaluru, highlighted the importance of hands-on learning and practical exposure in the EV field. He explained that students would build a complete electric vehicle from scratch within five days using raw materials and proper mentorship. He emphasized that EV industries require multidisciplinary knowledge across mechanical, electrical, and software domains. He encouraged students to understand vehicle integration and real-world problem-solving. He also motivated them to form teams and participate in competitions like SAE to gain further industry experience.
Guest of Honour Address
Mr. B. Anvith Shankar highlighted that the EV revolution is already happening and the industry requires skilled engineers. He emphasized that while students study concepts like BLDC and PMSM motors, practical exposure is equally important. He stated that the workshop aims to bridge the gap between theory and real-world application. He encouraged students to build teams and participate in technical competitions to enhance their skills. He assured continued mentorship and support to help them grow in the EV sector.
Vote of Thanks
Dr. A. Thiagarajan proposed the Vote of Thanks, expressing sincere gratitude to the Capabl team and resource persons for conducting the EV workshop. He thanked the management, Director, and Treasurer for their continuous support and guidance. He appreciated the efforts of faculty, coordinators, volunteers, and students for making the program a success.
Live Workshop Session
Following the inauguration ceremony, the students actively attended the live session of the EV Saksham workshop conducted by the resource persons. During this session, participants were introduced to the fundamentals of Electric Vehicle systems and the key components involved in EV development. The experts explained the workflow of building an electric vehicle and provided an overview of the hands-on activities planned for the upcoming days. The session offered students valuable insights into practical EV technologies and prepared them for the intensive hands-on training that followed.
