In recognition of his distinguished contributions to academia, research, and the engineering profession, Prof. (Dr.) Vilas Ramdas Kalamkar, Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology (VNIT), Nagpur, was conferred the prestigious “Eminent Engineering Personality” award. The honor was presented during the inaugural ceremony of the 41st National Convention of Mechanical Engineers, organized under the aegis of the Mechanical Engineering Division Board (MCDB) by The Institution of Engineers (India) [IEI] Kerala State Centre. The two-day national convention and seminar, centered on the theme “Emerging Domains in Robotics and AI,” took place on September 4–5, 2026, at Visvesvaraya Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram.
The award was presented by the Chief Guest, Shri V. Muraleedharan, Former Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Government of India, in presence of , Er. Udaya Kumar K.S., Chairman, IEI Kerala State Centre, Dr. Nilajkumar Najukrao Deshmukh, Chairman, Mechanical Engineering Division Board, IEI, Dr. (Prof.) K. Madhusoodanan Pillai, Chairman, Technical Committee, IEI KSC
Prof. Kalamkar currently serves as the Dean (Academic) and Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at VNIT, Nagpur.
Gold Rate
Sept 08,2026 - Time 10.30Hrs
This award highlights his many years of hard work in engineering education, research, and leadership. He has also been a dedicated mentor, guiding numerous Ph.D. and postgraduate students. He has built an extensive research portfolio with over 150 published Journal/conference papers. Furthermore, his impactful contributions to the nation’s defence sector as a Principal Investigator on critical research projects for the Ministry of Defence and DRDO were noteworthy. His contributions to rural development, highlighted by patented innovations in the area of Hybrid Draft Biomass Cookstoves, are highly commendable.
He is also a Fellow of The Institution of Engineers (India) and maintains memberships in numerous esteemed engineering associations.
The faculty, administration, and students of VNIT Nagpur, as well as the wider engineering fraternity, extended their heartfelt congratulations to Prof. Kalamkar on receiving this national honor.
