Chandigarh: In a landmark recognition of engineering leadership and national service, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University) (PEC), Chandigarh, awarded the prestigious degree of Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) to Ravindra Kumar Tyagi — Chairman & Managing Director of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID), a Maharatna CPSU under India’s Ministry of Power. The honour was conferred by the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab and Administrator, UT Chandigarh, Gulab Chand Kataria, during PEC’s 55th convocation ceremony.
The award recognises Tyagi’s remarkable contributions to India’s power sector over a career spanning 35 years. His areas of leadership include ultra-high voltage (UHV) transmission systems, environment-friendly transformer technologies, AI-based asset management, and process-based substations. The institution specifically cited his remarkable achievements in electrical engineering, science and technology.
Background & Career Highlights of R.K.Tyagi
A distinguished alumnus of PEC (Electrical Engineering) and a former M.Tech in Energy Studies from IIT Delhi, Tyagi is also a Fulbright Scholar from Carnegie Mellon University, USA.
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During his tenure he has held key roles in major power sector CPSUs and has driven transformative engineering and business initiatives at POWERGRID — spanning asset management, engineering, business development (domestic & overseas), telecom, load dispatch & communication, NTAMC, DMS, and more.
At the international level, Tyagi has represented India in prestigious committees and chaired technical bodies including the electrotechnical division of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), and multiple study groups under the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
His contributions have helped shape international technical standards for power transmission and equipment.
Among his many recognitions: the CBIP Individual Award 2025, PSU Leadership Award 2025, ET Energy Leadership Award, IEC 1906 Award, and CIGRE Paris Award. The honorary doctorate is the latest highlight in a distinguished career.
Significance of the Honor
For PEC, this conferment reaffirms its sustained legacy of producing technical leaders who drive India’s growth. Established in 1953 in Chandigarh, PEC has long been a key institution shaping engineering talent in the region. By honouring Tyagi, the institution signals the link between alumni success and institutional excellence.
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For the power sector and wider industry, the recognition underscores the importance of innovation in transmission infrastructure — especially at ultra-high voltages, transformer efficiency, asset intelligence, and international standardisation. Tyagi’s leadership reflects how Indian engineering is stepping up in the global arena.
Way Forward
With India pushing towards ambitious targets like “Make in India”, “Digital India” and “Viksit Bharat 2047”, the role of robust power infrastructure and smart grid systems is central. Tyagi’s work aligns with these national goals and the honour emphasises his role as a torch-bearer for engineering excellence.
Students, faculty and industry participants present at the convocation expressed optimism that this milestone would inspire younger engineers to adopt cutting-edge technologies and global standards. The convocation emphasised lifelong learning, innovation, and socially-relevant engineering.
