Industrial Infrastructure in Academic Institutions
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P Sriram, the Founder and Managing Director of M.K. group of companies, Chennai, talks about how the Indian education system is set to adopt new initiatives to meet increasing global requirements for technocrats.
You might wonder whether I'm going share something on the foreign education system, well No! I am envisaging on how the Indian education system will adopt new initiatives to meet increasing global requirements for technocrats. Age old system of fundamental infrastructure in academic institutions maintained as a mandatory requirement of the regulatory boards will struggle to match the reputation of India producing productive and resourceful engineers.
Institutions of National Importance which enjoy the luxury of availing funds from various sources has adapted to the demand and changes by investing on advanced laboratories and infrastructure to meet the expectations of the Industry to involve in Research, Consultancy, Innovation and experiential based learning of the graduates.
If we look at Western or European countries, any innovation in the industry starts from an educational institution and industries finds themselves enthusiastic in investing laboratories advanced infrastructures within the campus giving the opportunity to utilise the fresh minds for their technological evolution.
In India, it happened to be a challenge to bring industry and institution work close and bridge the requirement gaps. Most of the exposure a young and fresh graduate gets as a student is limited with an Industrial visit and a short term internship, which has primarily been the reason for unemployability and sustainable career. Finding a feasible solution to create skilled professionals beyond the standard academic remains a puzzle. Should the academic institution proactively interact with the industry? Should the Industry seek support from fresh talents in the institution? Should both of them collaborate to develop infrastructure of mutual interest? are some of the questions all the party keep asking and brainstorming. With service industries huge in proportion in the Indian economy, gaining attention and earning the trust of the companies as always is still challenging.
“You just need to be the one to drive the change when everyone else is waiting for someone else to take the first step”, is one of the best quotes to motivate you if you are looking for that change. Institutions have to put back, investing in phases to setup advanced laboratories under the mentorship of industry and engage with them offering solutions to their real-time problem statement and social causes, which can act as an ice breaker and help in earning the trust of the Industry. These facilities can be wisely used for training, internship, research, consultancy, incubating, innovating etc benefiting all the stakeholders. Exposure to advanced and industrial infrastructure can kindle the fresh minds to be true to their profession with passion and contribute to the growth of the society and nation. This initiative can result in creating skilled professionals to meet the industry requirement, become entrepreneurs, innovators and regain the reputation of technical education in India.
About the Author
P Sriram is the Founder and Managing Director of M.K. group of companies, Chennai. As a Mechanical Engineer with 25 years of industry experience, he believes in identifying and motivating the youth to acquire strong skillset along with the knowledge to create an innovative and interactive environment. He is also the founder Chairman of one of the most reputed institutions in Chennai focused on skill development.
