KKCCI felicitates ballastless track technology mastermind L.S. Patil, NASA award-winning students in Kalaburagi

The Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KKCCI) hosted a special felicitation programme on August 25, titled ‘Regional Pride – Global Recognition’, to honour L.S. Patil, Executive Chairman of Patil Rail Infrastructure Private Limited, Hyderabad, and students of S.R.N. Mehta CBSE School, Kalaburagi, who recently won the first prize at NASA’s NSS Space Settlement Design Contest 2025 in Orlando, U.S.

A special tribute was offered to Dr. Patil for his pioneering work in the railway sector, including the introduction of advanced ballastless track technology for the iconic Chenab bridge in Kashmir.

Dr. Patil, son of former president of KKCCI and FKCCI late S.S. Patil, was lauded for bringing national and international recognition to Kalaburagi.

Students of S.R.N. Mehta School — Aarna Adarsh, Deepika, Khushi, Poorvaja, Pranati, Saanika, Shambhavi, Sharan, Shreya, Zaisah Falak and Nihar — were felicitated by Dr. Patil.

Dr. Patil said, “Students are dreaming of building colonies in space, while we are still building colonies on Earth. In the coming decade, more opportunities must be created for students and entrepreneurs.”

He announced a cash prize of ₹15,000 for each award-winning student, and said he had spoken to the ISRO Chairman to facilitate guidance for them.

Leaders’ praise and encouragement

MLCs B.G. Patil and Shashil Namoshi, trustees Preetham Mehta and Chakor Mehta, were also honoured.

Mr. Namoshi commended the students’ success and applauded Dr. Patil’s contribution to industry. B.G. Patil also praised both the young achievers and Dr. Patil’s professional excellence.

KKCCI president Sharanabasappa Pappa said their achievements personified the region’s growing recognition on the global stage.

“The achievements we are celebrating today are not only a source of immense pride for Kalaburagi but also proof that our region has the talent to shine globally. By honouring both our young achievers and Dr. Patil, KKCCI reaffirms its commitment to encouraging innovation, entrepreneurship and international recognition for Kalyana Karnataka,” he said.

Trustee Preetham Mehta encouraged the students with the message: “The sky is the limit.”

Deputy Commissioner’s message

Deputy Commissioner Fauzia Taranum released the KKCCI’s quarterly magazine on the occasion.

Ms. Taranum highlighted the ongoing industrial expansion in Nandur and Kesaratagi, noting that youth, start-ups, and women entrepreneurs would play a vital role in driving economic growth in the region. She congratulated the students of S.R.N. Mehta School for their historic win, which she said had brought global recognition to Kalaburagi.

Students’ journey

Sharing their experience, the students said that positive thinking, systematic planning and teamwork had been the key to their victory. They spoke about their futuristic vision of building space colonies with industries and administrative systems.