School of Engineering, Dayananda Sagar University

Dr. Srinivas A. is a professor and the Dean at Dayanand Sagar University, Bangalore. He holds a doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering from IIT Madras. He has a vast teaching experience of 20 years mainly in Computer science. At DSU, he is on a quest for achieving technical excellence and at the same time giving maximum exposure to the students for their overall development. 

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

“The never-ending process of learning keeps me connected”

A career in education is for the most blessed ones. It is not in the life that we always get to be in close association with the most energetic group of 18-22. Teachers day in and day out interact with this age group. The world has time and again proved that the best innovations come from this age group. Working with this age group, learning with them, and closely participating in their growth is the most satisfying experience. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

“Leadership in an academic scenario is not just people management”

Leadership is to a good extent is ‘facilitating the professional growth and caring for the well-being' of colleagues. A good lot of these depends on the prior roles of passionate involvement in technology areas and with some accomplishments. It is extremely important to continuously upgrade on current developments and bring awareness of the same to the next levels. All these are not just acquired overnight but should have been practiced as a way of life in the quest for technical excellence. Willingness and readiness to change are very much needed for a leader in academics. 

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

“A good combination of fundamental knowledge with an ability to analyze“

Firstly, the quality of undergraduate programs forms a key factor in the university system. A highly valuable UG program in terms of its ability to attract the best students and empower them with the right knowledge and skills for their higher professional pursuits is extremely crucial. Towards this, DSU has interleaved projects at every stage of learning. At the same time, knowledge in a cross-domain is very much essential. The Minor concept is at DSU designed so that a student specializing in one domain can earn some additional credits and develop knowledge and skills in cross-domain areas. Very close collaboration with industries and elite universities from within India and Abroad will significantly add to the research culture of the university. 

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

“We follow the ‘learning by doing’ method”

Being 'Current' and 'Relevant' is the Mantra. In most places in India, education is largely governed by the examination system. The ability to memorize and write answers in the exams has been a key success factor for a student. A student graduating from such a learning process will not fit into a professional career. It will involve a huge "Unlearning" process. By carrying out high technology-oriented projects all through, students develop 'Problem Solving' skills. This empowers students with the confidence to get into newer areas and find an optimal solution to problems. 

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

“A university needs to recognize the talent and nurture the same”

In a university system, every individual student is extremely important. The success of the student is defined by the university processes that facilitate his/her career ambitions. By birth, every individual has some talent or the other. A student's growth does not depend on only quality academics. An equally important component is in nurturing the other talents such as music, fine arts, effective communication, pleasing manners, body language, etc. Creating opportunities to appreciate other cultures, religious beliefs, etc. is very much needed. 'Being Humane' is Fundamental to the principles of all races and religions. 

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

“Technology can be compromised with but not ethics”

The role of a college or a university system is to facilitate the professional growth of students to achieve his/her life aspirations. At the same time, creating 'Ethically Strong' citizens is the responsibility of a university system. Students have to develop a love for whatever they learn as a part of formal university training and at the same time, develop qualities such as Caring, respecting every other human being, and more so, elders. Every kid is born with "Innocence". It is the responsibility of elders (teachers in particular) to help students to retain this gift of Innocence. 

“DSU is known for its High-Quality Value-added programs and opportunities to work in the Innovation Labs set up by top industries. Opportunities for students to get into research right during their UG studies is the distinguishing feature of DSU. “

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

“Differentiate between "Temporary Happiness" and 'Joy of Life"

Every field of study has value. If students consider every learning as exciting, learning becomes a fun activity. A passion, a dream, and a well laid out action plan to realize the dream will bring in success in every student. Education should empower students to achieve higher goals. Ethics and integrity form a very significant component of a human personality. 

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