Kalaburagi Students Win Best Poster Award at IIT Bombay Ceramics Conference
On December 4, 2025, two students from P.D.A. College of Engineering in Kalaburagi were honored with the Best Poster Award at an international conference held at the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay). This accolade reflects the growing research culture at the college and the increasing participation of its students in national and international academic forums.
About the Award
The award was presented to Shekhar Rathod and Shashi Bhushan Sthawarmath, both fifth-semester students from the Department of Ceramic and Cement Technology. They received this recognition at the International Conference on Research Advancement and Industrial Challenges in Glass and Ceramics 2025, an event organized jointly by IIT Bombay and the Indian Ceramic Society.
The Research
Their award-winning poster was titled Synthesis of Tin Cobalt Aluminum Doped Zinc Oxide Nano Powders by Solution Combustion Synthesis and their Photo Catalytic Applications. This research focused on advanced nano-materials and their potential applications in photo-catalysis, which is a process that uses light to accelerate a chemical reaction.
The work was conducted under the guidance of Professor Baburao N. Sherikar, a faculty member in the Ceramic and Cement Technology Department at P.D.A. College of Engineering. The research highlights the innovative approaches being explored in the field of materials science, particularly in the synthesis and application of nano-materials.
Recognition and Support
The achievement garnered significant appreciation from the leadership of the Hyderabad Karnataka Education Society (HKES). Key figures such as HKES President Shashil G. Namoshi, Vice-President Raju Bhimalli, and other governing body members congratulated the students for their remarkable accomplishment. College Principal Siddarama Patil, along with Vice-Principals S. R. Hotti and Bharathi Harsur, also expressed their pride in the students’ success.
Faculty members including Amaresh R, S. B. Patil, Pawan Rangdal, Gundu Kollur, Hansraj Sahu, Mallikarjuna Kumane, Sharanu Jagte, and Yallalinga Parit conveyed their best wishes to the students, praising them for bringing recognition to their department and the institution as a whole.
The Importance of Research Culture
The award received by Rathod and Sthawarmath is indicative of the growing emphasis on research and innovation at P.D.A. College of Engineering. The college authorities stated that this achievement reflects a broader trend of increasing student engagement in research activities, both at the national and international levels.
Encouraging students to participate in academic forums not only enhances their educational experience but also prepares them for future challenges in their respective fields. The recognition of their work at a prestigious conference like IIT Bombay serves as a motivation for other students to pursue research and contribute to advancements in technology and science.
Future Prospects
As students like Shekhar Rathod and Shashi Bhushan Sthawarmath continue to excel in their academic pursuits, the future of research in ceramic and cement technology looks promising. The increasing focus on sustainable materials and innovative applications in various industries underscores the relevance of their work.
Moreover, the recognition from IIT Bombay may open up further opportunities for collaboration and funding for research projects, enhancing the academic environment at P.D.A. College of Engineering. This can lead to more students engaging in research and development, ultimately contributing to the advancement of technology in India.
Conclusion
The achievement of Kalaburagi students at the IIT Bombay ceramics conference not only highlights their individual talents but also reflects the commitment of P.D.A. College of Engineering to foster a robust research culture. As the institution continues to support its students in their academic endeavors, it is poised to make significant contributions to the fields of ceramics and materials science.
Note: This article is based on the events reported on December 4, 2025, and aims to highlight the achievements of students and the importance of research in education.
