Institute of Technology, Nirma University: Dr. Dilip Kumar Kothari, HOD(Head of Department, Electronics & Communication)

Interview by Kritika Gupta

Nirma University

Dr. Dilip Kumar Kothari is designated as the Professor and Head of Electronics and Communication Engineering Department at Institute of Technology, Nirma University. He has more than 30 years of teaching experience. His qualification includes - BE from GGU Bilaspur (MP), ME in Digital Techniques and Instrumentation from DAVV Indore and a Ph.D. from MNNIT Allahabad.

Dr. D.K. Kothari has published and presented many papers at national and international level in various journals and conferences. He has guided more than 25 M.Tech Dissertations. With this, he has worked on 3 research projects funded by the Gujarat Council of Science and Technology, Govt. of Gujarat and Nirma University. He has also produced 2 Ph.D. under his supervision and is currently guiding 1 research scholar.

Experience in the education industry

Education is a key to learning and it is one of the fundamental requirements for growth on one’s life cycle. For me, working in the arena of education is the best way to contribute in the development of the society.

Philosophy of leadership and style as the HOD Nirma University

Inclusiveness is essential part of the growth of any industry. Working in a team environment and provide enough opportunity for all stakeholders to do proper hand holding and grow together helps in building a better organization.

Placement opportunities and standard of curriculum at NU

The major objective of our faculty is to ensure a better placement opportunities for its graduating students. Through this approach, the students get better chances to serve the society and contribute in nation building. Currently, there is a significant increase in the placement opportunities in the past few years, offered by the national and multinational organisations.

The curriculum for all the programs offered at the Institute of Technology is designed in line with the prescribed graduate attributes and lifelong learning. We assure that the syllabi gives out all the technical as well as multidirectional personality development skills for its students.

Read about Institute of Technology, Nirma University Placements

Challenges faced as an HOD of Electronics and Communication Dept.

I am associated with the institute in the capacity of incharge of the department before the time when its first batch graduated. The initial challenges were to build the department from the scratch on the front of setting up of state-of–art laboratories and grooming teaching faculty.

Over the years we developed proper and equipped laboratories and in sufficient capacity in terms of faculty and staff. Now, the only challenges that comes up is to keep updating the techniques and methods regularly in line with the recent trends and building a conducive research environment to engage the students and research scholars equally.

Methods opted to build a relationship with the students

A student centric approach is followed right from the beginning. I make sure to hold formal and informal discussions with the students. A well-structured mentoring process and activities with the help of student organization are the mechanisms that we follow to establish a rapport with the students.

We follow a defined channel of guidance to motivate students in all their activities. They are insisted to communicate to me whenever they feel so in any matter for seeking guidance.

Dr. Kothari views on an ideal school environment

An ideal school should provide an open atmosphere for learning and multidimensional personality building. It can be acquired through fearless but disciplined system in place.

Managing work in a limited time frame at this position

HoD has to play an important role in terms of academic and administrative leadership. At time it requires to prioritize academic and administrative responsibilities and use a focused approach to get the work done. I make sure to have a clear mind set and then set my work as per its importance.

Goals for the Dept. in the coming years

As of now, I want to build significant research capacity and there by setting up a centre of excellence in this domain. I want this department to have such a strong name so that it is recognised for its strength in the future.