Dr. Murali Manohar is the Senior Professor at Vellore institute technology. He has more than 3 decades of experience in Academics and Industry. He has authored 3 management cases in the past few years and published more than 40 papers in International and Nationally reputed (referred) journals and edited volumes in India and abroad. He is currently a reviewer for many of the reputed International Journals published by Elsevier, IEEE, USA and Sage, London (UK) and on the Editorial Board of AJBM and Asian Academic Research Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.

VITBS Vellore

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

“Ability to serve the students community positively”

You should always be pragmatic when dealing with students from different economic and social backgrounds who come to your campus through a rigorous selection process. Create a sense of home away from home for them. The positions we held in our academic career serve to mould the character of our student community, to share and care for their growth as a professional. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? 

“Leading by example is the mark of a leader”

As a Senior Professor, my first philosophy is to be on time for class. A successful leader is one who is able to build trust with all stakeholders through good communication. I believe in the principle of democratic leadership, where we need to communicate as a whole (top to bottom and bottom to top) rather than just from the top down. 

What can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute?

"NEP 2020 will transform and provide better value to the learners"

With NEP 2020, education is going to become more efficient and give better value to the learner and also the freedom to change the field of study. Our VIT system is basically the same as those prescribed in NEP, including a fully flexible credit system, credit transfers with partner institutions abroad, etc. VIT already appears among the global rankings, such as QS and THE (811-0000). VIT has already been accredited by IET and ABET for engineering programs, which is another important aspect. Similarly, Business Programs are accredited by ACBSP and AACSB. Even our Chemistry Program is accredited by RSC, UK. Students are therefore assured of best educational practices throughout their learning process.

How does the curriculum of VIT ensure the best practice for the industry?

“Industrial surveys and Board of studies ensure curriculum relevancy”

We, at VIT, involve industry leaders in our Board of Studies (as Subject Matter Experts) and other statutory bodies like the Academic Council and the Board of Management. Hence, we understand the pulse of the industry. Even before a new program is introduced, we conduct the survey with the industry and obtain their feedback. The curriculum is always benchmarked with the expectations of Global Leaders and the industry.

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

“Teaching, research, and service to the community are my major responsibilities”

I was affiliated with VIT in various roles including Placement Coordinator for MBA students (for almost a decade long period) and Admission Coordinator for MBA (for four years), and finally the Director of the VIT Library (learning resources). I had close ties with the student community in all these roles. During 2008-2010, I served as the Convenor of Riviera (VIT's International Sports and Cultural Fest) for three years. During 2010, I had the opportunity to serve as an advisor for GRAVITS (VITs Technical and Management Fest). 

What do you see as VIT’s greatest strengths? 

“Engineering ranked 15, University ranked 16 and overall ranked 28 according to NIRF 2020”

VIT’s greatest strengths include: 

  • QS and THE rankings (800-1000) 
  • Shanghai Rankings 2021 (global ranking 800-900) and India ranking 9-10 (VIT the only Private Institution in the list) 
  • NIRF 2020 rankings: Engineering 15, University 16 and overall 28th ranking.
  • 7 subjects ranked in QS 2021 rankings like EEE (251-300), Chemical (301-350), Mechanical and Manufacturing and Computer Science (351-400), Chemistry (401-450), Mathematics (451-500) and Biological Sciences (551-600) and in Engineering and Technology – overall 401-500. 

What are some of the biggest challenges for the higher education sector?

“Placements and providing blended learning to students”

Challenges for Higher Education in general include: 

  • Adapting to the changing times (offering online education during pandemics in 2020, providing resources on campus and off-campus through multiple modes of connectivity, etc. 
  • Assisting graduates with career guidance and placement.
  • The internationalization of higher education. 
  • Flexible and blended learning options from other platforms such as Edex, Coursera, etc. 

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What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for VIT College?

“Increase the number of international students and global faculty”

  • In the coming years, VIT plans to increase its number of international students. 
  • We are looking forward to hosting many foreign Professors on board as Adjunct / Visiting Professors from the current levels. 
  • Adding many new programs with top-ranked partner institutions.