Interview by Pratyasha

SIGCE

Dr. Rajesh Kulkarni is designated as the Director of Smt. Indira Gandhi College of Engineering. His education qualifications include B.E, M.Tech, and Ph.D. In a career spanning more than 24 years, he has authored four books, published research papers in SCOPUS/SCI indexed Journals and published many Patents. Apart from this, the academician has travelled PAN Maharashtra and delivered more than 80 career awareness seminars. Dr Rajesh Kulkarni played key role in initiating MoU’s and collaboration with Foreign Universities. 

In an exclusive interview with collegedunia.com, Dr. Kulkarni shares his thoughts on the education industry in India and his plans for SIGCE in the coming years. 

Views on recent developments in Education Industry

We are at the cusp of the Industrial revolution 4.0 and has been gearing up for the Industrial revolution 5.0. Industrial revolution 4.0 demands skill sets of RPA (Robot Process Automation), IOT (Internet of Things), ML (Machine Learning), and AI (Artificial Intelligence) leading to smart solutions and automation. Industrial revolution 5.0 speaks about the effects of AI and robotics on socio-economic and work styles. I feel lucky to witness this massive technology transformation and disruption and provide my contribution to the same. 

Everybody is equal participant while making any decision at college

Our trustee Sri. Sunil Jadhav, propagates and follows a flat leadership style i.e. no hierarchies on work front. Each member associated to the organisation has the liberty to put forward their ideas, take its ownership and rest all will depend on the team members. I believe that passion, collaboration and teamwork can create magic. Also, proper management, empowerment and delegation will make the impossible things possible. 

Strategizing plans and programs for SIGCE

Being an educational institution, we have created separate verticals for each activity. Be it academics, admissions, training, placements, or any other thing. It requires proper planning and strategic thoughts to implement something new in the institute. To achieve the same, we brainstorm, jot down, and then implement new ideas. 

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Curriculum Practices at Indira Gandhi Institute

With the increasing trend in society, we are introducing new add-on courses in collaboration with the industry. Some of them are “Dol-SIGCE Electric Motors Lab,” “ASR-SIGCE smart manufacturing Lab,” “Capgemini-SIGCE Centre of Excellence for Data Sciences.” These courses are joint initiatives with Thane Belapur Industry Association and many more. We are also in collaboration with top-notch universities in both India and abroad to provide exposure to our students. 

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Unique factors of Indira Gandhi College

The college makes real and genuine efforts for industry-academia collaboration, now the college is known as placement capital of Mumbai as within a short span of time we could ensure 100% placement for eligible students, industry-sponsored labs, and add-on courses. Seeing the recent trends, we have also developed a unique incubation ecosystem, namely “Ignition” with Thane Belapur Industry association.

With these factors on-board, the Institute has a transformative impact on society. It cultivates a spirit of entrepreneurship among the students by collaborating with reputed companies and organisations.

Greatest strengths of the Institute

Being a technical institution, we are known for the following strengths: 

  • Strong academics
  • Passionate leadership
  • Supportive and hardworking faculty members
  • Placements and collaborative industry-academia efforts

Challenges faced being a Director

Students are nowadays diverting towards new career avenues, which makes it difficult to guide and help them. With the changing times, the perception of engineering has also been changing. It has now become important to create awareness of opportunities among youth. Being a Director, I feel it is my sole responsibility to look after all these challenges and help them in achieving their dreams.

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Suggestions to young generations

The students must invest their time in learning new and useful things. Be passionate, let education and learning process be fun and not a burden. Invest in learning, attend workshops, seminars, meet new people, do research activities, and many more. Doing so will not only make them confident but will make them more regarding the ongoing and upcoming scenario.