The most remarkable event in the history of CEC is none other than the arrival of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam. Whenever we hear that name, an indomitable spirit will burn within us to catch the dreams breaking the shackles of obstacles. CECians were in enthusiasm to welcome the one who has the calibre to ignite our minds and faculty to enrich our soul.
It was on November 26, 2012 that the Missile Man of India, Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam visited College of Engineering Chengannur for the IGNITE Annual Meet hosted by IEEE Student Branch College of Engineering Chengannur. IGNITE covered around 13 districts of Kerala, travelling the length and breadth of Kerala. Integrated Guidance Network of IEEE of Technical Education (IGNITE) – a wakening journey full of life, ideas and innovations to identify young talents across Kerala, constitute these students into a network and reinforce the research backbone of the society with these little masterminds. About hundreds gathered at CEC’s auditorium to celebrate the event. The presence of other dignitaries such as Dr. Jyothiraj V.P (Former Principal of CEC), Mr. Sayeed Rasheed (Director, IHRD), V.P Devassia (Additional Director and formal Principal ,CEC), P.C Vishnunath (MLA Chengannur), Mr. Sathish Babu and Smt. Suja John (Chairperson, Chengannur Municipality) added elegance to the dias. The events started with a prayer and a moment of silence in memory of 26/11 victims. The ceremony was presided by our former President Kalam who himself addressed the gathering and won the hearts of many with his eloquent delivery – an amalgam of experiences and his vision for India. After an hour long speech, he closed with his message that we must be remembered for creating our own page in the book of history. He persuaded students to think out of box and to follow their dreams. He added the significance of engineering and technology in this contemporary era and asked the students to take an oath.

He made the gathering repeat after him as he recited the poem:

“I am born with potential
I am born with goodness and trust
I am born with ideas and dreams
I am born with greatness
I am born with confidence
I am born with wings
So, I am not meant for crawling,
I have wings, I will fly
I will fly and fly.”