The Akal College of Engineering & Technology, the maiden project under the Eternal University was formally inaugurated by Dr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia on 3 August, 2007 at Baru Sahib. The ACET offers Bachelors of Technical programs in Electronics & Communication Engineering (ECE), Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE), Computer Science & Engineering (CSE) and Information Technology (IT).

Dr. Isher Judge Ahluwalia, Chairperson of the Board of Governors of ICRIER ( Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations), visited Baru Sahib on 3 & 4 August 2007. Despite inclement weather, rescheduled flights and other odds, she arrived at Baru Sahib at 6 pm almost 6 hours behind schedule. She was accorded a very warm welcome by Padma Bhushan Dr. Khem Singh Ji Gill (Vice-President, The Kalgidhar Trust) and the Sadh Sangat of Baru Sahib.

She had a tour of the campus visiting the ‘Puratan Gurdwara’, Akal Hospital, Automated Langar Hall, Akal Printing Press, the Akal Academy and other institutions being run by the Trust. She was highly impressed by the modern facilities created in the remote Himalayan ‘ Valley of Divine Peace’. She was apprised of Trust’s programs in diverse areas of education, health, drug de-addiction, women empowerment, herbal medicines, naturopathy etc. for social upliftment of rural areas of Northern India.

A formal function for inauguration of the Akal College of Engineering and Technology was held in the College Auditorium. Addressing the distinguished gathering, she said that she was extremely happy that spiritual and moral education which is the need of the hour in our education system, was high on the agenda of the Akal Group of Institutions. She quoted her own example of having studied in a Hindi medium school followed by studies at Presidency College, Kolkata and finally at MIT, USA. She said her deficiencies of school were made up by the spiritual and cultural studies at her home which helped her to qualify for the best colleges in the world. Thus, she highlighted the significance of blending scientific education with spiritual education which is the mission of The Kalgidhar Trust. She said that the Trust is providing a great opportunity to the children to become good human beings, successful professionals and worthy global citizens. She strongly supported the movement of woman empowerment undertaken by the Trust especially in Punjab where the male-female ratio is the lowest in country. She called this a matter of shame when she has to speak on this subject at international forums. She was greatly appreciative of the Trust’s endeavours in upliftment of the rural society and promised that she would extend all possible help to the Trust to support various programs, particularly the women empowerment programs.

Dr. Ahluwalia also inaugurated the Akal Teachers' Training Academy in the Darbar Sahib precincts. This unique program for elementary level teachers' training has kick-started with girls belonging to the lower strata of the society from remote rural areas of Punjab, Haryana, UP and Himachal Pradesh, who have passed Senior Secondary School Examination (XII Class). They are given intensive training in English language and communication skills, modern teaching methodology and computer education and spirituality. Nurtured in the culture, values and ethics of the Trust, the three-year program will graduate teachers who shall form the core of Akal Academies. The entire expenses for training including boarding and lodging are borne by the Trust.

Dr Isher also inaugurated the Akal Divine Music Academy, another unique endeavour of the Trust towards women empowerment. The girls, who have passed Senior Secondary School Examination (XII Class), qualify as graduate and post-graduate teachers to be employed as music teachers.

She also visited the 4th Akal International Youth Camp being held at Baru Sahib for students from U.K. She was deeply impressed with the progress being made by the campers in learning Gurmukhi and Gurmat. She complimented the teachers (Angels of Purity and messengers of Divine Peace) for their commitment and dedication.

At the Akal Academy, she visited the library, the language lab and interacted with the students. She magnanimously offered to donate her personal collection of rare coins to the Akal Library. The visit concluded with the demonstration of Gatka (Sikh martial arts) and discussions with Baba Ji. She promised all help within her means to the Trust’s various endeavours and initiatives.