MET's Institute of Technology, Principal: Dr. Rajendra Narkhede Interview

Dr. Rajendra Narkhede is presently working as the Principal at MET's Institute of Technology, Nashik. With 22 years of experience in teaching, he has published more than 10 research papers at national and international level. Also, he is a life member of ISTE and IEI, India. With his extensive experience in the education field, Dr. Narkhede has an eager attention for providing academic and leadership counseling services to the students.

What keeps you connected with the education sector?

“Continuous upgradation in learning and creativity”

Lifelong learning Process, consistent ability to think creatively, understanding the psychology of the students and always presenting motivational leadership has helped me remain in the field for so long. I am constantly looking for ways to help teachers and my other supporting staff members to think creatively and develop new skills, and enhance their knowledge in the field of Technical Education. 

How would you describe your leadership style?

“Sharing responsibilities and regular encouragement of team members”

I believe everyone should participate in the process of imparting education and I intend to share responsibility with my team. I respect my team, listen to their ideas and inspire them when needed. I behave with empathy, thoughtfulness and kindness with staff and colleagues. At the same time, I consider myself as a transformational leader because I encourage my team to set goals that directly align with the organisational goals. As more creative technical studies come out, professional educators will continuously create new techniques to help students learn more efficiently which makes a wonderful outcome for our institute. 

How do you strategize about the key plans for the administration of the institute?

“Transferring efficiency with new technological approaches”

Today, growing numbers of colleges and universities all across the country including MET among many others are temporarily canceling their physical classes to deal with the impact of the COVID‐19 situation. The conversations on our campuses, as well as on professional Listservs, have turned to the topic of academic continuity plans as the nation continues to deal with the impact of COVID. As I look through the materials put together by various teaching and learning centers, and instructional technology groups, I have noticed that the resources have focused almost exclusively on the hows of technology: tools to record lectures, create discussions and proctor exams. Yet while the technological know‐how to virtually connect with our students is necessary, it is not sufficient to continue the teaching and learning endeavor. More specifically institutes need to connect with the students and stakeholders emotionally as well as practically on the different parameters to improve the performance.

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

“Learn to be flexible attitude”

MET has always given emphasis to overcome the difficulties students face through various continuous development activities among them. Another advantage students get here is the flexibility and attributes towards changing circumstances which makes them capable of working in any part of the world. We focus more on practical knowledge rather than just academics and theory, and encourage individual interests and learning abilities as well. 

How does the curriculum of the institute ensure the best practice of industry?

“Highly efficient academic practices and evaluation system”

The Institute follows an outcome based education by developing course plans with objectives and outcomes. As MET Polytechnic is affiliated to MSBTE, Mumbai, we, as per the directions and guidelines, commit to offer the best in class academic services to the students and institutes to enhance the delight of industry and society. This will be achieved through continual improvement in management practices adopted in the process of curriculum design, development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring system along with adequate faculty development programmes.

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

“Active participation in the overall development”

A Principal is part of a Divisional Administrative Team whose function is to support and assist the Institute in meeting the overall objectives of the Division and the needs of individual students. The role of the Principal is to provide leadership, direction and co‐ordination within the school. His main focus should be to develop and maintain effective educational programs within the Institute and to promote the improvement of teaching and learning practises.

What do you think should be the Institute’s top priority over the next 10 years?

“Constant development in academic and practical perspectives”

When we talk about the priority over the next 10 years, I think recognizing, identifying and fostering the unique capabilities of each student is on the top. By sensitizing teachers as well as parents, we aspire to promote each student’s holistic development in both academic and non‐academic spheres. As educators we should give emphasis on conceptual understanding rather than learning academics and learning‐for‐exams. Providing high quality education at a low cost, coping up with continuous emerging trends in technology and faculty development and awareness, and preparing students, industries and communities for emerging jobs in today’s interconnected world are some of the real time priorities. 

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What do you see as the greatest strengths of MET?

“High quality education and inclusive technology”

The evolution of the institute over the last decades has witnessed a strong blend of state‐of‐the‐art infrastructure and intricately intertwined human resources committed to provide professional education with thrust on creativity and innovation. The motivating environment in MET‐Polytechnic is for knowledge assimilation, generation and dissemination with a sense of social responsibility, human values and concern for social commitment has carved a niche for itself among the best technical institutes in the state. Along with enhanced academic and technical career, we also provide opportunities to become Creative, Tech Savvy, Independent and Joyful person in life and of course these things should be gained at all eligible students at reasonable cost.

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

“Become capable and success will follow”

Do something you are passionate about and love doing. If you are doing something that you like and want to follow for a lifetime, you are just naturally going to succeed. Develop your capability and skills for that particular passion and see how the universe comes your way.