Dr. A. Selvaraj is the Principal of Dhirajlal Gandhi College of Technology. He is having 20 years of teaching experience and 3 years of Industrial exposure. He has worked for 10 years in Research and Consultancy. He is a motivational speaker for students in schools and colleges and has conducted many television programs for career guidance. He is an expert in preparing Computer Based Training (CBT) materials for ITI, Diploma, and higher secondary school students. He is also an Engineering Consultant for the Indian Army Base Workshops – Modernization Project. He has published many papers in international journals and conferences and has guided more than 40 PG projects and 60 UG projects.

Dhirajlal Gandhi College of Technology

Which key factors keep you connected with the education sector?

“My desire of guiding and motivating youths”

The vision and mission that an educator needs to keep in mind while teaching is the main reason which influences me to remain in the education industry. Inculcating good values and making our students very good engineers is what I focus on. I love to guide and motivate my students as well as the faculty to achieve greater heights in their careers.

What is your leadership philosophy? 

“Learn from others and distribute it to others in the most effective way”

My philosophy is very simple and yet effective and that is, I believe in learning from my seniors and fellows and distributing it to others. I worked with our founder chairman for the past 15 years and now being a principal I also treat my fellow faculty mates in the same way my chairman treated me since I was his student. The main quality of a true leader is that they give their best at both personal and professional levels for the betterment of students, faculty and society.

How your college is more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“We accept students applications from all over the country and promote equality on campus”

Our college is located in the rural background of Salem city. We welcome students from every background equally and their concerns and queries are addressed on time without any bias or favor. We integrate every kind of student through the help of our secretary, chairman and good quality teachers as well. We have scholarship tests to obtain scholarships and likewise other things for the well-deserving students coming from all races. 

How does your college prepare students for placements?

“Through apprenticeship and internship based on students needs”

We have our own placement and training department where the students from first year itself are provided various kinds of personality development training based on their requirements and existing skills. Along with this, Industrial training and internships are also provided to students before placements so that they can break the recruitment process and get placed in the companies and get internships. Therefore, fundamentals plus industry training is what we focus on here for the students to have better careers ahead.

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What are some of the challenges you are facing to uplift the quality of education of your college? 

“Our location and students decreasing interest towards ME and EE”

The first and foremost challenge which we are facing is our location, as we are currently in a rural area. , while students prefer the city area. As a result, transportation-related issues get arise. The second one is the declining interest of students towards Mechanical and Electrical Engineering as students get more attracted towards Computer Science and IT sector as these jobs are also in those sectors only. Post covid scenario has made the scenario worse for students as they are lacking real skills due to online classes. 

What do you think should be the College’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“Infrastructure development and more tie-ups with reputed industries”

College should focus more on strengthening its infrastructure which includes laboratory facilities, hi-tech computer labs, etc., education quality and teachers' skills upgradation. Our focus should also be on getting more funding projects from industries to help our students to get more growth opportunities. Overall, we should aspire to take our institution to the next level by expanding our courses and inculcating skill development programs in the curriculum.

Which facilities and co-curricular activities are there for students in your college?

“We proffer all kinds of learning and fun activities”

Our college, DGCT has a very good association with our Alumni and many of them are helping us to give more inputs by bringing learning opportunities for students through ted talks, google meetings, webinars where they share their experience, knowledge etc. We also have 360-degree development cells (including women empowerment, sports club, environmental development cell, etc.) and committees where students and faculty members work together to bring a positive result to the campus. For disciplinary actions, we also have an anti-ragging committee, grievance redressal, and discipline committee in the college.

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Any valuable advice which you would you like to give the students for a prosperous career ahead? 

“Respect your elders and choose your career path wisely”

I would like to advise my students that they must respect their parents, society and teachers. They should know the value of what they have. Secondly, they should choose their field of study very carefully. Maintain a strong network with your college seniors and friends. Lastly, be honest and respectful in life’s every stage because this will definitely give you a successful life.