Dr N. Mala is the Principal of Kovai Kalaimagal College of Arts and Science, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu. She is a Doctorate in Mathematics with 22years of experience in the teaching and administrative field. She has published several papers in various reputed National and International Journals. In administration, she has served as an Assistant Controller of Examinations, Controller of Examinations, Internal Quality Auditor for ISO, member and Co-ordinator for IQAC, etc. She is a recipient of ‘The Young Hero Award’ for ‘Student’s Principal’, Ramanujan Award 2017 for ‘Best Faculty in Mathematics’, Coimbatore Women Achievers Award 2018 and ‘Anbana Aasiriyar Viruthu’. 

KKCAS Coimbatore

What is your philosophy of leadership? 

"True leaders don’t create followers, they create more leaders”

A leader should walk along with the subordinates and create the right path for them to develop the organization. Motivation and encouragement are key factors that everyone strives for in an institution. I ensure that the faculty and students in our college are motivated and encouraged often. It is necessary to boost up one’s enthusiasm to build an attachment with the firm and work for the growth of everyone. 

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

“Placement assistance, Skill oriented courses and Value-based teaching-learning process”

  • The curriculum of our college is designed to meet the needs of the industry. It is designed on the 'ASK' model to develop Attitude, Skill and Knowledge. 
  • We have Language papers in Part I, Functional English in part II, Core, Allied and Elective papers in part III. Apart from these, we also have Part IV and V dedicated to skill-based subjects, value-based subjects and Non-major Electives. 
  • Under Value-Based Education, we have ‘Environmental Studies’, ‘Ethics and Culture’ and ‘Autobiographies of eminent personalities.
  • In Non-Major Elective courses, we have subjects like Floriculture and Organic Farming and Mushroom Cultivation that help the students to be an entrepreneur in the agricultural field as most of them are from agrarian families.
  • Under Skill Based subjects, we have Mathematics for Competitive Examinations and Communication Skills in order to develop their skills towards campus placements.
  • Finishing school is conducted for 21 days which is related to placement activities. We have an updated syllabus that caters for the need of the hour that includes more practical knowledge. 
  • Students are provided internships for hands-on training. Final year projects are made compulsory for both UG and PG programmes for experiential learning. 
  • MoU’s with TCS and Infosys for training the students for overall development and preparing them for placements.

What do you think your responsibilities to the University and the students are?

“Ensure that students have the skills and degree needed for the industry"

When the students graduate from this college after 3 years, they should have the confidence to survive in this world. The skills and knowledge that they have developed from this college should be utilized extensively. I have the responsibility to foster them with a positive attitude. 

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

"We follow a development model called "ASK", which stands for Attitude, Skill, and Knowledge”

Kovai Kalaimagal College of Arts and Science has a beautiful and luscious green campus with a distraction-free surrounding for learning. We have an experienced faculty who could understand the potential of the students and teach accordingly. It is an autonomous institution and hence we have enough opportunities for restructuring the curriculum. We have placement activities that are included in the curriculum like Mathematics for Competitive Examinations and Aptitude and Soft Skills for successful campus placements. We follow the 'ASK', “Attitude, Skill and Knowledge” model for the all-round development of the students. 

What do you see as this College’s greatest strengths?

“Student, faculty, and inclusive environment are our college's greatest strengths”

We have a pollution-free and calm environment providing an excellent learning atmosphere. An eco-friendly campus with energy conservation, rainwater harvesting, and prohibition of plastics inside the campus are the distinctive qualities of the institution. The institution provides Finishing School training. Various MoU’s have been signed with Infosys and TCS that provides training for aspiring students. We have excellent placement records for the past 10 years. The working hours of our college are immensely beneficial to many students who go for part-time jobs post-college hours. We have a well-qualified and dedicated faculty who are focused and student-centred. The admission policy is transparent, inclusive and equity-based. 

What are some of the biggest challenges for higher education in the current era?

“The rate of college dropouts has increased during the Covid Pandemic”

As far as Kovai Kalaimagal College of Arts and Science is concerned, the time taken for conveyance from the city to the college has proven to be a major hurdle. The majority of the students of this college are from an agricultural background and rural surroundings. Families are rarely supportive of the education of their children in such cases. Lack of communication skills in English is also a challenge for the students in our college. In general, dropouts during the COVID-19 pandemic period are higher than in any other year. 

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

“The two components of success in life are hard work and self-confidence”

Students should realize the importance of goal setting in their life. Short term goals could be the completion of their graduation whereas long term goals could be acquiring a dream job or becoming an entrepreneur. Since every person has his own potential, one should realize and work hard to develop it. They shouldn’t be disheartened facing any failure. In present times youngsters expecting a hefty package of salary at the beginning of their career, lose a lot of opportunities that could lead them to fulfil their dream in future. Always aspire for excellence in life.

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

“Meeting faculty and students in person and displaying a kind attitude toward them"

Maintaining a good relationship with others is essential in any institution. Being humane is one of the key factors in establishing a healthy environment. Kind behaviour towards faculty and students develops trust among them. Ours is mainly a service sector and one should see it as it is. The faculty have a meaningful bond with the students’ families to create a healthy environment.