Prof. Dr. B. Lakshma Reddy is the Principal of SJES College of Management Studies, Bangalore. He has done MCM, MCA, M.Sc (IT), M.Tech, M.Phil, MBA (HR), MBA (Systems) and Ph.D. in Computer Science as part of his academics. He has over 29 years of teaching experience. His main strengths are public relations, interpersonal communication and acquaintance with different departments of various universities. He has extensively published in peer-reviewed National and International journals and has presented papers in several national and international conferences. He has 110 research papers to his credit. He has also conducted AICTE-sponsored faculty development programs, attended several workshops, participated in AICTE faculty development programs and organized several national and international conferences. He has guided 19 students of M. Phil. in Computer Science, guided Ph.D. students. He has received 24 awards from various organizations in recognition of his contributions to the field of education and his contributions to society.

SJES College of Management Studies

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

"My devotion to providing good citizen to society by educating youths and students"

The key factor that keeps me connected to the education sector are students. I am very much concerned about their future because they are the main pillars and leaders of our country. Hence I believe they should be molded and given quality education from the initial stage itself. And apart from giving them proper education, it is our responsibility to build their character by putting them on the right path. To be in the education sector, I feel, one has to be passionate about offering quality education at an affordable cost and teaching and contributing to the growth of the society in terms of spreading knowledge is one of the most satisfactory jobs I believe.

What is your leadership philosophy?

"A good leader listens patiently and knows how to effectively use team skills"

I firmly believe that leadership quality are something that everyone cannot possess. And the students must work on building leadership qualities right from a young age. For that, we as teachers must mold them to be good people who can lead others the right way. Because a good leader does not dominate others but shows them the right direction by analyzing their skills and strengths. A true leader listens to others with patience and knows how to instill confidence in them. I personally feel that we should have a harmonious relationship with our co-workers which is built by ensuring trust, dignity, mutual respect and simplicity. And being a Principal, I make sure that I am available anytime to address issues and grievances of my students and teachers.

How do you strategize the key programs for the marketing and administration of your college?

"By providing quality education to students and taking feedback from stakeholders"

As the Principal of SJES College, I have adopted some strategic plans for the marketing and administration of our college. And as far as marketing is concerned, there are no better media than our own students. If they will be provided quality education, good infrastructure and a good ambiance to learn and grow, definitely they will help us to expand our reach among our target future students. Secondly, our college does have a good team of well-qualified and experienced faculties who take care of the holistic development of our students. Also, I personally take feedback from all the stakeholders including students, parents, organizations and members of the civil society regarding the latest trends in the sector. This helps us in setting the direction for the future course of action. 

In your experience, what benefits can a student gain from studying here in your institute?

"They will be provided every opportunity to grow in cross-cultural ambiance"

Students who want to join our institution will be offered a basket of opportunities to work in cross-cultural teams that will enhance their ability to work effectively in any given geography.

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How does the curriculum of SJES ensure the best practices of the industry?

"We follow the curriculum designed by the University"

Our college is affiliated to Bengaluru North University and the University has a dedicated Board of Studies which designs the curriculum and shares it with the respective institutions. Hence we follow the syllabus designed and shared by the university. Apart from this, we also offer personality development sessions to our students which include motivation and goal setting classes, time and stress management quizzes backed by pre-placement training.

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

"We accept applications from all over the world and offer financial assistance to needy ones"

We must first accept the fact that education is not meant for a particular race or ethnic group. It is mandatory for all and should be reachable to everyone irrespective of their caste, color or creed. Following the same philosophy, our SJES College welcomes one and all not only from India but from every part of the world with open arms. And we provide fee concessions to needy students and scholarships to eligible ones. We also have all the required infrastructure to cater to the needs of our students. Our campus is flush with trees and greenery. 

What are your roles and responsibilities?

"Attending meetings of University and guiding students and teachers whenever required"

Being a principal, I am highly accountable to both of them and my responsibilities are numerous. First, I have to keep in constant touch with the University to know the latest policy changes and play a liaison role between the college and the university. Second, I have to attend various meetings convened by the university, especially the Principal’s meetings to know their requirements, etc. And for students, I connect with our faculty on a regular basis to ensure that students get a good quality education, and all basic facilities to fulfill their needs (especially of students who reside in our hostel) which is required for their overall growth and development. I treat them with strictness when they are in the classroom and love and affection out of class hours. In short, my responsibility towards my students is to see that they developmentally and psychologically and when they leave the college, they go out as good citizens and are capable of building and taking our nation forward.

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

"It should be to provide quality education even to those students who struggle to afford it"

As we all know, talent skillsets change over a period of time. For this purpose, the university should frame a syllabus curriculum taking the suggestions of industry leaders into consideration. We should also keep in mind that state-run universities serve other segments of society. And we should work toward enabling our students so that they can comprehend the enhanced curriculum as most of them come from the lower strata of society.

What do you see as the greatest strengths of your college?

"Our main assets are our teachers, students, infrastructure and courses"

I believe that the greatest strength of any institution or organization is its people. And for us, it is the freedom that Management gives to our well-qualified and highly experienced faculty and staff for the overall development of the college and to provide quality education to our students. Another great asset for us is our beautiful campus, flush greenery and pleasant atmosphere. Next, we provide a wide variety of courses ranging from Nursing, Hotel Management, Polytechnic, Teachers training, etc. all under one roof. We also provide well-maintained hostels to the students who come from other states.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see for higher education in general?

"Challenges are many in terms of autocracy, bureaucracy and sanctions"

The education sector has attracted many players and has also intensified the competition. And few institutions offer similar curricula which cannibalize the sector. What I have personally observed over a period of time is that institutions are forced to either re-invent themselves or go burst. And what adds to our cup of woes is that there are a growing number of private universities, that have complete autonomy in designing the industry-oriented curricula bereft of regulatory sanctions while State university's time gets consumed in getting approvals. Then there is bureaucracy, which often stalls progressive thinking. 

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Any suggestions which you would like to give to the current youth and aspiring students?

"Work hard and be disciplined if you want to sustain in today's competitive world"

My advice to the youth and students of today is that they must realize we are living in a world of cut-throat competition where it is a great challenge to survive. The only platform on which we can face the world today is to have a good education. It is a permanent asset given to us by our parents and teachers which cannot be destroyed or taken away from us. So don’t waste your youth and student life, and how you utilize it will determine your future.