13th Edition of Mahindra Baja Saeindia 2020, Leg 2 kicks off at Chitkara University  

Chandigarh: SAEINDIA, a professional Society of Automotive Engineers, in association with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd, today announced the commencement of the second leg its 13th edition of the much-awaited BAJA SAEINDIA series. With Mahindra as the title sponsor and other industry sponsors, the finale of the event is being held at Chitkara University, Chandigarh between 6th and 8th March, 2020.
 
The leg 2 of the 13th edition of Mahindra BAJA SAEINDIA 2020 has received an overwhelming response with representation from all zones- Western, Northern, Eastern and Southern zones in India. 486 entries were received from various SAEINDIA Collegiate clubs across India, out of which 200 teams were shortlisted in the Virtual round at Chitkara University in July 2019 for conventional m-BAJA. Further 53 teams were shortlisted for e-BAJA. Finally, 80 Teams of m-BAJA are participating in the Chandigarh event.
 
A remarkable feature unique to BAJA SAEINDIA is the adoption of a new theme every year. This year, the theme for BAJA 2020 is 'Breaking Conventions’, that celebrates BAJA, which, is all about challenging conventions, say it with altogether a different terrain.
 
Dr. Bala Bharadvaj, President, SAEINDIA, and MD, Boeing India, looked at BAJA as the flagship event of SAEINDIA and said, "The BAJA provides a platform for the overall development of an engineering student. This competition enables our budding engineers to grapple with real-life applications and improve their skills related to design, analysis & problem solving besides enhancing their interpersonal skills and self-confidence."
 
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Subodh Morye,Marketing and PR Head, BAJA SAEINDIA said,“BAJA serves as a direct link between the students and the industry. Every participating team is a talented pool of candidates who have a passion for working in the automotive sector. Infact the design and manufacturing phase of BAJA make the students industry-ready, by providing them an out of classroom experience of teamwork, leadership, ownership and innovation. Being associated with BAJA, we do get first-hand access to these young engineers, who can drive a change for the future.”
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Madhu Chitkara, Vice-Chancellor, Chitkara University, Punjab said, “During our 5 years of association with BAJA SAE INDIA, we have seen the enthusiasm of students for BAJA SAE event. This event is shaping and polishing the necessary skills of students which are needed in the future automotive industry of this fast-changing world. Aligning with University`s mission for promoting research, innovation, entrepreneurship and creating skilful society, we are elated to extend our support to BAJA SAE event.   
 
The qualifying teams were selected post a thorough analysis and comparison of their written test, CAD Designs, CAE analysis and the designs of Roll Cage, Suspension, Steering and Brakes. The entries presented at the virtual BAJA were virtual mock-ups, that are now being created with exact specifications by the participants. The teams in the final round will showcase their skill, understanding and passion for automobiles while having manufactured their own buggy race car.
 
BAJA SAEINDIA tasks the students to conceptualize design, build, test & validate a single-seater four-wheeled All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) to take part in a series of events spread across a course of three days. The event includes Technical Inspection, Static Evaluation such as Design, Cost & Sales Presentation, and Dynamic Events such as Acceleration, Sledge Pull, Maneuverability, Suspension & Traction followed by an Endurance Event of 4 hours, which will be held on 8th March 2020. This will be followed by the HR meet on 9th March 2020.
 
The leg 1 of the 13th edition of the BAJA SAEINDIA 2020 was held at Pithampur, Indore from 22nd to 26th January 2020, where 120 mBAJA and 53 eBAJAparticipated for the finale.Total 86 teams (76 teams for mBAJA and 10 for eBAJA) made it to the Endurance round at Pithampur. Team E-Ziba Racers from Shri Vishnu Engineering College for Women, Andhra Pradeshwas declared the ‘Best eBAJA Team’and DY Patil College of Engineering, Akurdi, Pune was declared the ‘Best mBAJA Team’in the leg 1 of the 13th edition of BAJA SAEINDIA 2020 at Pithampur. The winners for Chandigarh event would be declared during the Valedictory Session on 8th March 2020, the International Women’s Day.