PG and Research Department of Computer Science
Industrial Visit to Umagine TN 2026 and Mahabalipuram.
Industrial Visit Report: Nehru Memorial College AI & ML Department to Umagine TN 2026 and Mahabalipuram.
On January 8, 2026, the Department of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Nehru Memorial College, Puthanampatti organized an educational outing for 38 B.Sc. AI & ML and 11 First M.Sc Computer Science students and 2 faculty members P.Moogambigai and M.Dhanapriya, to bridge theoretical learning with practical industry insights and cultural enrichment.
The visit commenced with departure from Puthyanampatti campus at 10:00 PM (07.01.2026) via AC bus, arriving at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam by 8:30 AM for Day 1 of Umagine TN 2026, Tamil Nadu's flagship tech summit. Participants attended the inauguration and Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's keynote on elevating IT talent through AI skilling and 20 lakh job creation, followed by speeches from IT Minister Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan (PTR) on digital services, ethics, empathy, and AI infrastructure like Coimbatore's 3M sq.ft IT park. Key sessions included "Ahead of the Algorithm: Winning in a Rapidly Digital World" on AI strategies, Tech-Led Transformation panels covering FinTech, EduTech, HealthTech, Deep Tech, BioTech, agritech, Web 3.0, Space Tech, and Clean Energy, plus visionary discussions in Hall F. The Umagine DX campus programs reaching 59 colleges across 20 districts—mirroring themes like Frontier Technologies (AI/Blockchain/Quantum), Data Factories, Digital Infrastructure (DPI/AI public services), and MSME applications directly relevant to the AI/ML curriculum on Neural Networks and Data Science. From 1:00-3:00 PM, students explored 150+ exhibitor stalls and the 50,000 sq.ft experience zone, engaging with Startup Grand Challenge zonal finalists in semiconductors and edtech amid 4,000+ delegates and 100+ experts.
Post-event, the delegation traveled 55 km to Mahabalipuram, the UNESCO-listed Pallava heritage site, for a 4:00-7:00 PM exploration of ancient engineering marvels including Shore Temple, Krishna's Butter Ball, Pancha Rathas, and Krishna Mandapam (rock-cut caves)—drawing parallels between historical sculpting precision and modern AI pattern recognition, culminating in a beach sunset group photo. The group returned safely to Puthanampatti with 100% attendance and no incidents. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive: 80% of students rated the tech exposure "excellent," citing inspiration for AI/ML projects on Industry 4.0, robotics, and TN's startup ecosystem; faculty noted enhanced soft skills and industry awareness. Over 50 photos captured entry, keynotes, exhibitors, and heritage sites, with assigned follow-up reports and posters. Pre-visit preparations included orientations on event themes and safety protocols.
The AI & ML Department extends sincere gratitude to the College Management for approving and arranging this invaluable opportunity, enabling students to gain firsthand exposure to cutting-edge technologies and cultural heritage, significantly enriching their academic and professional growth. This outing advanced departmental goals for employability in global AI markets; recommendations include annual tech summit/IT park visits (e.g., Software Technology Parks), inviting Umagine speakers to campus, syllabus integration of DX topics.
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