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The inauguration ceremony of the VTS Pune Section Chapter was held on 12 March 2026 at COEP Technological University in Pune, India. The chapter was formally launched by IEEE India Council Chair Prerna Gaur. Managing Director of Schaeffler Technology Solutions Yogesh Patwardhan graced the occasion as the Guest of Honor.
Pune—widely recognized as a technology hub for OEM manufacturers in the automotive electronics sector—provides an ideal environment for this chapter. The IEEE VTS Pune Section Chapter will link local industry experts with the international community working in VTS’ fields of interest. Known as the 'Oxford of the East' due to its high concentration of quality engineering institutions, Pune is uniquely positioned to leverage this chapter for the advancement of both academia and industry.
Also initiated as part of the event’s festivities, the IEEE VTS COEP Tech Student Chapter will give budding engineers access to in-depth knowledge from international experts; and internship, research, and placement opportunities through its developing network. Their goal is to forge strong bonds between international experts, industry professionals, and academics in Pune.
At the inauguration, Dr. Prerna Gaur spoke on the significance of local chapters, and elaborated on how students and faculty can maximize the benefits of IEEE Society membership. Mr. Yogesh Patwardhan offered the industry perspective on the importance of professional organizations like IEEE.
The newly-appointed office bearers of the IEEE VTS Pune Section Chapter are:
Chair: Ashwini Kulkarni, COEP Technological University
Vice-Chair: Saurabh Tiwari, Schaeffler Technology Solutions
Secretary: Abhay Khonje, BOSCH
Treasurer: Amol Gulhane, Technology Consultant
The office bearers of the IEEE VTS COEP Tech Student Chapter are:
Chair: Advay Deshpande
Vice-Chair: Amey Herlekar
Secretary: Varad Badve
Treasurer: Shaunak Dahibhate
Webmaster: Devesh Khot
All office bearers were honored during the ceremony.
Dr. Ashwini Kulkarni and Mr. Advay Deshpande presented the future plans of their respective chapters. The Vote of Thanks was proposed by VTS Pune Section Chapter Vice-Chair Saurabh Tiwari.
The achievement was warmly congratulated by Prof. Sunil Bhirud (Vice Chancellor, COEP Technological University), Dr. D. N. Sonawane (Registrar), Dr. Parag Sadagir (Dean of Engineering), Dr. S. P. Mahajan (Director, RIIL), Dr. Vibha Vyas (HoD, E&TC), and Dr. Archana Thosar (IEEE COEP Branch Counselor).
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