Apeejay College of Fine Arts (ACFA), Jalandhar successfully organised an AICTE-Sponsored Distinguished Professional Lecture on Systems Safety and Risk Management under the Distinguished Professional Scheme of the All India Council for Technical Education. The event brought together students, faculty members, and academic leaders for an intellectually stimulating session focused on safety engineering, risk mitigation, and defence research.
The keynote address was delivered by Chitra Rajagopal, Former Director of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who shared her vast expertise and professional insights into the principles and practical applications of systems safety. Drawing from her extensive experience in defence research and advanced technology development, she elaborated on the critical role of risk management in designing resilient and reliable systems.
Prof. Rajagopal highlighted the importance of integrating safety-centric system architecture at the foundational stages of engineering design. She explained how robust safety frameworks help minimise structural damage, enhance operational reliability, and ensure occupant protection during critical incidents. Emphasising the need for indigenous design and development of advanced defence technologies, she underscored how self-reliance in research and innovation strengthens national security and technological progress.
Through real-world examples and case-based explanations, she demonstrated how systematic risk assessment, hazard identification, and mitigation strategies are indispensable components of complex engineering projects. Her lecture also shed light on the interdisciplinary nature of systems safety, encouraging students to adopt analytical thinking and ethical responsibility while developing technological solutions.
Welcoming the distinguished speaker, Principal Dr. Neerja Dhingra expressed her pride in hosting an eminent professional of such stature. She reiterated the institution’s steadfast commitment to academic excellence and holistic development under the visionary legacy of Founder Chairman Dr. Stya Paul Ji. She further acknowledged the dynamic leadership of Mrs. Sushma Paul Berlia and Dr. Neha Berlia, whose guidance continues to strengthen the institution’s academic initiatives and industry engagement.
The session witnessed active participation from students and faculty, who engaged in thoughtful discussions and raised pertinent questions regarding emerging challenges in safety engineering and defence technologies. The interactive exchange made the lecture highly engaging and intellectually rewarding.
A formal vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Roopali Sood, Head of the Department of Computer Science, who expressed gratitude to Prof. Rajagopal for her enlightening address. Dr. Neerja Dhingra also appreciated the dedicated organisational efforts of Dr. Roopali Sood and Dr. Monica Mogla in ensuring the smooth and successful conduct of the programme.
Overall, the AICTE-sponsored Distinguished Professional Lecture proved to be an enriching academic experience. It not only deepened participants’ understanding of systems safety and risk management but also inspired them to pursue innovation with responsibility, precision, and a strong commitment to national development.