Visakhapatnam: The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy (IIPE), Visakhapatnam celebrated its 10th foundation day on Friday, marking a decade of progress, research excellence, and expanding national impact in the energy sector. Prof Shantanu Bhattacharya, director, CSIR–Central Scientific Instruments Organisation (CSIO), Chandigarh, delivered the foundation day lecture. The foundation stone for the institute was laid the same day in 2016 by the chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu in the presence of Dharmendra Pradhan, the then union minister for petroleum and natural gas and M Venkaiah Naidu, then Union minister for urban housing and I&B. Prime minister Narendra Modi ceremonially conducted the Bhoomi Poojan in March 2024. The event showcased IIPE’s growing research ecosystem. Prof. K. Vijaya Kumar, dean (R&D) presented the institute’s contributions under its “Panchamrit” pillars: projects, patents, publications, partnerships, and Ph D.
In his keynote address, Prof. Bhattacharya highlighted the crucial role of innovation and a positive mindset in driving science and technology advancements. Encouraging students to explore opportunities at CSIO, he said that patents gain true value when translated into practical, usable instruments that benefit society.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Shalivahan, director, IIPE reflected on the institute’s transformation from its establishment in 2016 to its present role as a national think tank. He announced that IIPE is set to shift to its permanent campus, making a major leap in its academic and research capabilities. From initially focusing on petroleum and chemical engineering, IIPE has diversified into futuristic domains, including natural hydrogen, alternative fuels, and clean energy technologies, building global linkages to foster innovation-driven impact in the energy transition landscape.
As part of the celebrations, the Institute presented the best faculty award-2025 to Prof. Ramunaidu Randhi for his outstanding contributions in teaching and research, best employee award-2025 to Somesh Katta, senior lab assistant (CSE) for professional excellence, and the academic merit awards to students in recognition of their excellence in academics.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Raka Mandal, PIC (cultural). The director described IIPE’s 10-year milestone as the beginning of its “adolescence” – a phase of confidence, expansion, and readiness to lead India’s sustainable energy future. Registrar Ramphal Dwivedi, faculty members, staff, students and the alumni, who joined the event virtually, were present.
