N B Navale Sinhgad College of Engineering, Vice-Principal: Dr. R.T. Vyavahare Interview

Dr. R.T. Vyavahare is presently working as Vice-Principal at N B Navale Sinhgad College of Engineering, Solapur. Having two years of industrial experience as a Technical Engineer and 19 years of academic experience, he is recognized as active reviewer, a Ph.D. Guide and Board of Studies (Mechanical Engineering) Member of various reputed journals and institutes. Setting up a project-based learning culture in various institutions, he has published more than 15 papers in national and international journals and conferences including Elsevier and CIGR international, and has attended 03 International conferences.

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

“Bestowing your knowledge onto the future generation”

A career within the education sector can mean teaching students from all ages and backgrounds, and participating in collaborative works with other teachers. Teaching holds the promise of a dynamic, rewarding career and the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of people and younger generations. With the help of new-age learning tools, it is easy for any country to overcome the challenges and problems of socio-economic lives of people, and bring a paradigm shift in the country’s higher education sector. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? 

“Core system of steady principles, perspectives, and values”

A strong leadership philosophy is a key to successfully running a team, organization, or business. When your leadership style is rooted in a strong set of values and principles, you’ll remain committed to your goals, and you’ll be more likely to motivate and inspire your team as well. A leadership philosophy is essentially a belief system that guides your decision-making. When you define what your aspects and perspectives are, and use them to shape a decisive statement, your behaviours and resolutions will remain consistent, irrespective of the circumstances.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practice of industry?

“A pre-planned industry centric programme of study”

We plan all the academic, extracurricular, co-curricular, Training and placement related activities for every semester well in advance and this plan is communicated to all the stakeholders and industry experts. This includes semester start dates, exam schedule, various activities, workshops, value addition programs, student straining programs and much more allowing students to participate and prepare as per their interest and knowledge. We focus on project-based learning in our institute through mini projects at initial stages and major projects during commencement of final year programs. Value Addition Programs and industry expert guidance lectures are also being conducted for bridging the gap between curriculum and current industry needs. Soft-Skill and Personality development training improve student’s leadership qualities. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU’s) with Industries/Organizations of National importance provides opportunities to the young engineers for improving their practical skills and gives them exposure. 

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What would you like people to know about your college they may not know?

“Advanced and latest technical approaches to help students learn”

We offer our students various learning pedagogies that enhance their performance including Project Based learning approach for enhancement of the technical skills, Value Addition Programs, Transparent Internal assessment and term work Norms and so on. Our college has a separate Training and Placement Cell, well connected to Sinhgad Central Placement Cell (CPC) for improving the employability opportunities of the students. Also, we run units for Entrepreneurship Development, Students Council, Alumni, industry-institute interaction and Career counselling to help students participate and interact with industry experts. We have a dedicated Centre for Research and Technology Development (CRTD) to enhance the research culture and impetus for Lab Innovation and interdisciplinary projects to get product oriented output from engineering students.

What do you see as your college’s greatest strengths?

“Strong activity-based and disciplined learning culture”

The Institutes has a 90 acres campus which is vibrant, environmentally-friendly and surrounded by lush-green scenic beauty that makes it an ideal destination for Physical and Intellectual growth. It has modern amenities, characteristic of a world-class educational establishment catering to academics and extra-curricular activities. Being a reputed higher education institute, we always align our activities so as to achieve overall development of the students through value-based education along with the vast range of cultural, educational, and social activities available to our students. Faculty and staff foster an environment to increase rational maturity and strength of character. On the campus, living and learning are so intimately intertwined that scholars are naturally moulded to excel in their professional careers.

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

“Boosting the education system and implementing various education policies”

Indian higher education system is growing very fast irrespective of various challenges. If knowledge is imparted using advanced digital teaching and learning tools, we would be aware where we are currently lagging behind, and make favourable modifications to improve the education sector. There should be a multidisciplinary approach in higher education so that a student's knowledge may not be restricted only up to his own subjects. We need to work on different matters like enrolment rate of students for higher education and equity among different sets of the society to take forward a well educated nation. Another bigger challenge is ensuring quality in higher education. It is multi-dimensional, multilevel and a dynamic concept for everyone. Also, there must be an adequate focus on research and innovation at higher education institutes in the country. 

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“Think different, be a lifelong learner and be passionate”

Try and explore new ideas without bringing your old ideas along for the ride. Examine and study thoughts before setting them aside. Stand out to be heard. Everyone who has ever accomplished things in life has had many failures along the way. The key is how you learn from the failure to keep moving forward. Develop a strong imagination to put on your dreams, wear enthusiasm and passion to fulfil those dreams. 

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How do you tend to establish a healthy environment in your college?

“Fine relations with association among students and staff”

With diversity comes a unique opportunity for students to learn from each other in an academic setting. In a well-developed classroom culture, we foster idea-sharing and relationship-building with the ability to enhance the learning environment and influence the behaviours of all, staff and students. The learning environment includes the implementation of effective teaching strategies, the development of a positive relationship between students and teachers, and the effective dealing of conflict in the classroom. Students can unravel their strengths like multitasking, organization skills, team building skills, leadership skills and service mindedness. Networking opportunities are a major benefit and students develop bonds among themselves which help in growing their careers.