As rightly said, there is no alternative to hard work; the team Legion 2.0 from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar College of Engineering and Research (DBACER) have a profound grip on the principle. BAJA SAE a platform engineering students turned out to be bliss for the Legions.
Run by Society of Automotive Engineering (SAE), BAJA SAE is an incredible opportunity for the engineering students to engage in extensive research and field work and to give out an unmatchable automobile that can survive the harshest elements of the rough terrain. Team from various Universities from across the world participate in this high adrenaline kicking competition where the sustainability and speed of their designed automobiles are challenged. The event is held in India, China, Brazil, South Africa and Korea. In India, the event is run by SAE.
All cars must adhere to SAE rules, and pass SAE’s technical speculation. A car may not be allowed to race until it passes all the safety inspections. There are multiple dynamic events. The dynamic events include hill climbs, sled pulls, rock craws, and suspension and traction events.
Static event such as written report, presentation and design evaluation are provided by participating teams. Also, a cost report that provides all the background information necessary to verify the vehicle’s actual cost which is used to rate the most economically feasible for production.
The motto of the event, ‘Dream Dare and Drive’ was an apt phrase that gave the right adrenaline kick to these enthusiasts. Legions stood as the fifth best team in the competition. Their dedication and passion could be seen as they stood up to all the challenges, giving neck to neck competition to all its opponents. Legions secured fourth position in the endurance assessment which was a big achievement for them. The team went on with all the zest, racing, fixing the A-arm that was torn apart in the middle of the race; the crafty hands of the students were never at rest.
The event was no less than an institution. The platform was apt to learn and practice skills, teamwork, management and so much more. As per Rutwik Sawarkar who is the vice captain of the team, the team members stood together and considered themselves responsible for their success and setbacks. The spirit of these students was that of a true sportsman.
This fascinating experience led them to working hard on their project and develop a more enduring and sophisticated ATV. Atharv Bhagade, captain of the Legions 2.0 said that they are currently working on the vehicle and are planning to hit the track soon, with an improved design.
Atharva Bhagade (Team Captian)
Participating in BAJA SAE INDIA was a wonderful experience. Decade of ‘DREAM DARE and DRIVE’ as their motto suggests, was absolutely correct. The adrenaline and passion along with dedication is what BAJA stands for and with high hopes my team ‘Legion 2.0 ‘excelled in every aspect.
Mahindra SAE BAJA 2K17 was up to its standards. Tougher tracks than before, tough challenges to face and worthy opponent above all. But then our team was determined and as we know, nothing worth having comes easy. We faced top judges during our evaluation, giving a neck to neck competition to our opponents in all the levels of evaluation. We faced many brake outs, even got our A-arms torn apart, yet we all faced the challenges together, with all the dedication we fixed our A- arms in the ongoing race, we joined the endurance soon and we tested our success.
A lot of improvements are to be made, mistakes to be improvised and a lot more enhancement to be done with all the valuable experiences and knowledge. Now we are ready with our improved design and concept and will be back as champions, real soon.
Rutwik Sawarkar (Manager, Vice-Captain & Treasurer)
BAJA SAE INDIA encourages us to dream big and drives us towards growth. This type of exposure encourages young engineers like us to think out of the box.
Each one not only develops technically but also develops skills like management, teamwork and soft skills etc, which are industry’s requirements today. It is most essential to never give up and always be willing to learn from all the experiences and knowledge coming our way. I really appreciate the dedication and the hard work of my team. Each and every member of the team is responsible for success and mistakes in the project.
Sahil Pradhan (Autoist)
This was the first time I participated in SAE BAJA India. Before that I went for ecokart but this was a completely different experience.
According to me a driver has the most fans because driving the ATV in this event is something else. The experience is surreal. The dynamic events and endurance is my favourite part because it tests you physically and mentally.
Finally I just want to say that if you are pursuing Mechanical Engineering and have a passion for Automobile then SAE BAJA is the perfect place.
Mrunalini Kukde (Team Member)
BAJA SAE INDIA taught us to deal with people on different levels, with whomour frequency does not necessarily have to match. You can take a bag full of learning, experiences, success, and failure from the event. Both from your as well as others.
Why you chose Engineering?
We don’t need to sit in frontof computer or assemble circuit or code. Our labs require us to be active and use a wide range of machine. We start it out in the labs and it’s a lot of fun. This course really does open to endless opportunities.
What are your Expectations from the field?
Mechanical engineering is perhaps one of the oldest disciplines in the field of engineering. In the past mechanical engineering worked mainly in construction, aviation, industrial production etc. But now the scope of mechanical engineering has expanded and involves streams likeMechatronics, Robotics and so much more.
Do you face any Problem in this field as a girl?
Mechanical engineering is the branch of engineering that is mostly devoid of girls. For the guys in mechanical engineering a girl is a rarity but for a girl it is a constant struggle to keep up with all the insanity around her. The biggest problem a mech girl faces is that nobody else can get proxy attendance for her – as a single girl in a class. But 4 years make you get used to it and you become one of their own.
Aparna Jogwe (Team Member)
My experience in e BAJA was very fascinating. I learnt a lot from the people there.
Why you chose Engineering?
I chose mechanical engineering because it respects the importance of your work. You get the opportunity to create something tangible and useful that can strengthen the backbone of modern human life.
What are your Expectations from the field?
Mechanical engineering is the broadest branch of engineering and hence it offers job opportunities even after graduation. So I expect it to be useful for me practically as well as economically.
Do you face any Problem in this field as a girl?
I wouldn’t be paranoid about this because being a ‘GIRL’ doesn’t put down or raise my level in the competition. So I will say it’s equally difficult for me as it is for any other male student.
