Kerala

“We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements.” Said Dr. P. Krishnakumar Could you tell us more about your group of institutions? We have completed our 50 years of existence, starting in 1968 in Coimbatore. We have a presence in the states of Tamil Nadu and Kerala with over 24 institutions, ranging from schools to a medical college. How do you ensure sustainability in education within your diverse group of institutions? We strongly believe in molding true citizens, which means not only giving an opportunity to complete graduation but also upskilling their abilities to meet industry requirements. We emphasize training and employability. For example, we have Technology Business Incubation (TBI) funded by DST (central government) to create startups, and we also have the NewGen IEDC initiative, which central government funds up to 2.5 lakhs for students’ projects to help them move from prototype to commercialization. Could you elaborate on the skill development and teacher training programs in your institution? We believe in training our faculty frequently. We have quarterly training sessions where we invite trainers from different industries and academia. We also encourage our faculty to upskill through various online certification programs as we evolve from traditional education to digitalization. Are there any new initiatives in technology within your institution? We are one of the few institutions in Kattur with multiple multiplex theaters on campus. This allows students and teachers developing e-content to see their work in a theater setting, enhancing the learning experience by creating an entertaining yet educational environment. What about global collaborations and exposure to international universities? As an affiliated institution, our ability to collaborate with foreign universities is limited due to state and central government policies. Universities have more freedom to engage in student exchange programs and faculty development programs abroad, but affiliated institutions must follow strict guidelines. What are your thoughts on employment versus employability? Employability is more important because it’s not just about getting a qualification but about ensuring that students are absorbed by the best industries. This is crucial for an educational institution’s survival. Top institutions maintain their status by ensuring high employability for their graduates. We focus on incubation and entrepreneurship, promoting a startup culture that allows students to understand entrepreneurship and take risks while still studying. What does the term ‘New Normal’ mean to you? New Normal means introducing new changes and ways of thinking and executing programs. It involves changing the traditional system to adapt to new methods and ideas, reflecting a fresh approach to education and leadership. Any message for ArdorComm Media Group? ArdorComm Media is doing an excellent job of connecting educational institutions and stakeholders. Networking and sharing knowledge are crucial in today’s world. Your role in connecting people from different age groups, experiences, and industries is invaluable. I’ve had the opportunity to meet many people from top institutions today, which is beneficial for information and networking. This positively impacts the education sector and brings about new changes. Keep up the good work. Any final thoughts? Thank you so much for inviting me to this event. It was impressive talking with you, and I appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this forum. Thank you.