Jigme Namgyel Engineering College hosted “Bhutan-India Friendship International Workshop (BIF) on Applications of Artificial Intelligence in Renewable Energy, EV Charging, and Grid Modernization infused with Gross National Happiness Values,” in collaboration with NIT Silchar, IIT Guwahati, and CST Rinchending supported by Indian Embassy in Thimphu.
The five-day workshop, held from 17th October till 21st October 2024 started with a virtual meeting with participants from various colleges. On the 18th, the Jigme Namgyel Engineering College warmly welcomed all the participants who traveled from their respective colleges to JNEC with Khadar ceremony for in-person activities. The workshop brought in 134 participants from various colleges which includes 17 students and 2 professors from NIT Silchar, 20 students and 4 faculty from CST Rinchending, two faculty members and 7 student participants from IIT Guwahati and from JNEC, they had 61 student participants and 19 faculty.
The BIF workshop formally kicked off on 19th October with an inaugural address by President, Dr. Tshewang Lhendup, JNEC and followed by comprehensive talks and presentation on Distributed Control of AC Microgrids and Generalised Power Control of Grid Integrated Induction and Synchronous Generators. In the afternoon session, it featured a friendly cricket match amongst the participants, including the resource person and musical night in the evening from both nations instilling respect, deeper understanding and celebrating the culture of each nation.
The following day started with a mindfulness and meditation session, followed by a technical talk and hands-on experience with green energy challenges and forecasting. The day concluded with a rejuvenating session on Yoga for beginners and sightseeing.
On the last day, President CLCS, opened the day with an online talk on Gross National Happiness setting the tone and thoughts for the day, followed by various technical sessions on AI in EV, charging stations and IoT application. The day concluded with the visit to Choki Gyatsho Buddhist Institute and closing ceremony presided by Shri Bupinder Kumar Consulate, Consulate General of India, Phuentsholing. In his address, he highlighted how such collaboration between two nations enhances bilateral relations and cooperation between the nations.
The major outcome of the workshop was the knowledge sharing in the areas of AI, Renewable Energy, EV charging, grid modernization, infused with gross national happiness values. It was also to enhance collaboration between institutions of two nations to build and work on joint research and project, exchange programs such as academic activity and cultural exchanges.
Overall, this workshop had an enormous impact on each participant, where they gained new ideas and knowledge through talks on technology that are prevailing, such as AI and application, renewable energy. On the other hand, the sessions on mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and GNH have provided them with tools for personal growth and sustainable approaches for holistic development.
