Mr. Deepak Sharma, Research Scholar, School of Mechanical Engineering, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University has been declared qualified for the award of PhD in Mechanical Engineering. He has worked on the topic, titled “Characterization and Investigation of Friction Stir Welding of Aluminium Alloy Based Metal Matrix Composites” under the supervision of Dr. Balbir Singh (Administrative Supervisor) and Prof. (Dr.) Rajesh Kumar Bhushan, (Former Faculty, SMVDU) presently working at NIT, Manipur. The candidate has published his research work in SCI and Scopus journals and conferences. He thanked the University for providing facilities and necessary support for carrying out research work. Prof. R.K. Sinha VC, SMVDU, congratulated the candidate and wished him a bright future ahead. Other members of the committee, Dr. Ajay Kaul, Dean, Faculty of Engineering, Prof. M. Eswaramurthy, Head, School of Mechanical Engineering also conveyed their best wishes.