Nagpur: — In a heartfelt and memorable ceremony held today at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, two distinguished alumni — Dr. Hemant Sharad Pandey, Director (HR) of Western Coalfields Limited (WCL), and Indra Dev Narayan, Chairman-cum-Managing Director of Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL) — were felicitated for their exceptional contributions to the mining and human resources sectors and their outstanding service to India’s public sector enterprises.
Honouring Distinguished Alumni
The felicitation was led by VNIT Director Prof. Premlal Patel, recognising both alumni for their leadership and lasting impact in their respective fields. The event highlighted VNIT’s legacy of nurturing talent that continues to serve the country at the highest levels.
Emotional Tribute from Dr. Pandey
Dr. Pandey, a 1989 graduate of VNIT’s Mining Engineering Department, became visibly emotional as he reflected on his formative years at the institute. Expressing his deep gratitude, he remarked:
“This honour is a priceless treasure of my life.”
Indra Dev Narayan, a 1990 batch alumnus, was also appreciated for his role in steering MECL and contributing to India’s mineral exploration capabilities.
Dignitaries and Alumni in Attendance
The event saw the presence of several esteemed VNIT faculty and alumni, including:
- Dr. A.K. Agrawal, Head of Mining Engineering Department
- Prof. I.L. Muthreja, Former HoD
- Dr. Anupam Kher, Mr. Rajendra Yerpude, Mr. Niranjan Thore (Faculty members)
- Mr. Shashikant Chaudhary, President, VNIT Alumni Association
- Mr. Joginder Singh Sondh, Executive Director
- Staff, alumni, and other dignitaries
Ceremony Concludes with Gratitude
The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Mr. Satish Gabale, marking the end of a meaningful event that celebrated the achievements of two accomplished professionals and proud VNIT alumni.
About Western Coalfields Limited (WCL)
Western Coalfields Limited (WCL) is a Miniratna Company and a subsidiary of Coal India Limited, under the Ministry of Coal, Government of India. Headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, WCL is engaged in coal mining operations across Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The company plays a critical role in meeting the country’s energy needs and is known for its contributions to sustainable mining, technological innovation, and inclusive workforce development. Through its continued focus on environmental responsibility and employee welfare, WCL has become a key driver in India’s energy security and industrial growth.
