Biofuels – Fueling the Future

In the current scenario of fuel crisis several alternatives to fossil fuels are being considered for extensive research and development for finding a robust and cost effective technology for large scale production.  One such fuel which is gaining momentum is the Biofuel.

Biofuels are derived from renewable biomass resources and therefore provide a strategic advantage to promote sustainable development and to supplement conventional energy sources in meeting the rapidly increasing requirements for transportation fuel associated with economic growth, as well as in meeting the energy needs of India’s vast rural population.  Biofuels can increasingly satisfy these energy needs in an environmentally benign and cost effective manner while reducing dependence on import of fossil fuels and thereby providing a higher degree of National Energy Security. 

Hence looking at the benefits of this fuel on the environment & cost effectiveness, We at Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum took an initiative in this field and established a Biofuel Information & Demonstration centre with the support from Karnataka State Biofuel Development Board.

Our Biofuel Information and Demonstration centre headed by Dr. Chidanand Gavimath, is playing a catalytic role in creating awareness, giving training and to kindle research in the area of Biofuel for improvement in the production technologies and value addition of biofuel.  VTU Biofuel centre is regularly organising workshops for farmers, students and unemployed youth. Recently a thirty six days training programme was conducted for Gram Panchayath Development Officers, Elected members & farmers. Till date totally 2183 people have taken the benefit of this initiative.

Many one day workshops were also conducted for ZP- CEO, DFO, RFO, GP members, NSS students of VTU, B K Model & Govt. High schools, Kenyan teaching faculty & students to increase awareness about Biofuels. Even the Environment Day this year was celebrated by planting nearly 250 saplings of Biofuel plants in and around our campus.  District Commissioner – Belgaum, Registrar & Staff of the University enthusiastically participated in the same.

Given below are the snaps of such programmes conducted by VTU, Belgaum

      Inaguration of Biofuel I & D centre at VTU on 24-12-2012

    

Training Programme for, Gram Panchayat President, Panchayat  Development officer & Elected Memebers at VTU Belgaum

One Day awareness Programme for NSS Students at VTU, Belgaum

                      

Training Programme for students at VTU BioFuel Centre,  Belgaum

                  
                   Celebration of Environmental Day at VTU, Belgaum

VTU Vehicle using Biofuel Diesel produced at our centre

Introduction to VTU

            

Welcome to VTU- Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belgaum. This University is named after notable Indian engineer, scholar, statesman and the recipient of highest honor ‘Bharat Ratna’ Sir M. Visvesvarya. VTU is an institution that is rich in history, academic excellence and leadership. The university is performing and continues to perform with a VISION, MISSION and MANDATE.  This university is one of India’s leading and largest technological Universities. It has 202 affiliated engineering colleges under its jurisdiction. Every year over 50,000students graduate from this University who are the next generation technical leaders, thinkers, innovators and scholars.

  There are several millions of VTU graduates existing around the globe, keeping active the spirit of Sir M. Visvesvaraya. Our historic 119 acre campus is located in one of the most picturesque location of Belgaum, in the State of Karnataka. While taking a walk around our campus, you can feel the pride of our VTU community- faculties, staffs, alumni’s and students.

We have state of the art campus with the facility of modern class rooms and research labs. Excellent sports facility surrounded by lush green therapeutic plants all around the campus. Our student body is the preeminent and most diverse among all the universities in the country. We impart technical education in 28 disciplines and Post Graduate Programmes in 71 disciplines.  The University has 4 Regional Centers and 5 Constituent Engineering colleges, 13 QIP Centers in various affiliated colleges and 15 Extension Centers offering PG Programmes. At present over 1800 students/faculties have registered for Ph.D. degree and over 200 students have registered for M.Sc. Engg.( By Research).

The Visvesvaraya Technical University imparts MBA, MCA and M.Tech.Programmes at “Jnana Sangama “, Belgaum, Bangalore, Gulbarga ,Mysore and University BDT College of Engineering, a constituent college at Davangere which offer specialized courses in the field of technology and management.

       We at VTU use technology widely to deliver our various programmes to all our affiliated colleges throughout Karnataka. EDUSAT, world’s first satellite meant for educational purpose is being used at VTU to conduct live interactive sessions in all of its affiliated colleges. Friends, ours is the first technical university in India to have implemented e-Governance practice in total. For instance, we are the first in on-line delivery of question papers to all our engineering colleges throughout the nook and corner of the state. We have digitized over 25 lacs answer scripts and conduct digitalized evaluation. This has enabled us to give results of both UG and PG programmes within 15 days of all our 194 engineering colleges. 

We at VTU use technology widely to deliver our various programmes to all our affiliated colleges throughout Karnataka. EDUSAT, world’s first satellite meant for educational purpose is being used at VTU to conduct live interactive sessions in all of its affiliated colleges. Friends, ours is the first technical university in India to have implemented e-Governance practice in total. For instance, we are the first in on-line delivery of question papers to all our engineering colleges throughout the nook and corner of the state. We have digitized over 25 lacs answer scripts and conduct digitalized evaluation. This has enabled us to give results of both UG and PG programmes within 15 days of all our 202 engineering colleges.

   VTU continues to create a center of attention and preserves outstanding faculties and administrative personnel who are well appreciated in their fields. Opportunities for involvement in innovative research projects and life enhancing community service proliferate in our campus. Our special attention is towards the rural mass of the society and thus we ensure that we get students from every part of Karnataka and across the country..

      We are very receptive to our social responsibilities towards the family who live near our campus in Belgaum. We have adopted in all respects a village called ‘Santibastwad’ near our campus. VTU takes care of their basic needs like housing, school, roads, drinking water, hospital, electricity, computer centers etc... We also provide suitable employments to the people of this village in VTU.

     Finally, I invite you to explore VTU. Whether you’re a future student, a community partner or one of our more than one million alumni, VTU is your resource for a lifetime. Visit our campus or our website. You are always welcome at VTU.

                                                                        Dr. H Maheshappa Vice Chancellor, VTU