‘Remembering the Legends’: PEC pays emotional tribute to Satish Dhawan, Kalpana Chawla, and Jaspal Bhatti

The evening began with the unveiling of their busts on campus—each a testament to PEC’s far-reaching influence in science, space, and satire. “These legends walked our halls. Their spark should reignite the spirit in today’s students,” said Mr. Manish Gupta, President of PECOSA, whose team took the lead in organizing the event.

Crafted over five months by local artisans at Dhuriz Studios, the busts were funded through contributions from alumni across batches, with the total project cost nearing ₹8 lakh. “There was some lacuna on the administration’s part, so PECOSA took complete charge—from decoration to catering,” Gupta added. “But it ended up being a true team effort.”

Chief Guest Prerna Puri, Secretary Education, Chandigarh Administration, called the evening “an inspiring reminder of PEC’s role in shaping national and global leaders.” Reflecting on the three honorees, she added, “Dr. Dhawan embodied scientific integrity. Jaspal Bhatti wielded humor like a sword. And Kalpana—she broke barriers for Indian women.”

Special messages added an emotional dimension to the event. A video tribute from European Space Agency astronaut Jean-François Clervoy—Kalpana Chawla’s mentor—was followed by heartfelt words from Jyotsana Dhawan, daughter of Dr. Dhawan and a leading developmental biologist. A short documentary chronicling the trio’s lives, laced with personal anecdotes, offered an intimate look at the human side of genius.

“The alumni being honored are towering personalities who’ve taken PEC’s name to unmatched heights,” said Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Bhatia, Director, PEC. “We stand small before their greatness.”

Savita Bhatti, wife of the late comedian, recalled Jaspal Bhatti’s mission to unify India through laughter. “He wanted the country to laugh as one,” she said. “His satire wasn’t just entertainment—it was truth in disguise.”

Padma Shri awardee Dr. Satish Kumar, PEC aerospace alumnus and former DRDO chief, shared fond memories of his college years. “Satish Dhawan was the epitome of humility. Kalpana had a fascination with the stars long before she reached NASA. And Jaspal—he could crack up an entire auditorium even back then,” he said. Urging the youth to embrace emerging fields, he added, “Don’t be stuck in old ideas. AI, life sciences, robotics—this is where India’s intellectual property must grow.”

The celebration wasn’t all speeches. A satirical skit based on the honorees’ lives, a soulful qawwali, and an energetic Bhangra performance lit up the evening, drawing applause from the 150+ alumni and students in attendance.

PECOSA General Secretary Er. H.S. Oberoi led the awards segment, felicitating distinguished alumni and presenting over 23 scholarships for academic excellence. In his concluding remarks, he affirmed PECOSA’s commitment to preserving the institution’s legacy and strengthening alumni mentorship.