Our Dedicated Alumni Network Facilitates Internships, Job Placements, Says Somaiya Vidyavihar University VC

Somaiya Vidyavihar University's Vice-Chancellor Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, in an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, shared details about the university's plan to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, steps taken to improve education quality, new programmes, student-faculty ratio and other details here. Read the highlights of the interview here….

Q1. What is the vision for Somaiya Vidyavihar University, and what are the proposed steps towards realising this vision over the next five years?

Prof Pillai: The vision of Somaiya Vidyavihar University is to create a dynamic, future-ready, and inclusive learning ecosystem that nurtures academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development. Over the next five years, we aim to:

• Expand Global Collaborations: Strengthen partnerships with international universities, research institutions, and industry leaders to provide students with global exposure.
• Enhance Digital Learning: Invest in AI-driven education tools, virtual reality classrooms, and hybrid learning models to make education more accessible and interactive.
• Foster Research and Innovation: Establish dedicated centers of excellence in sustainability, biotechnology, AI, and digital transformation, promoting interdisciplinary research that addresses real-world challenges.
• Strengthen Industry-Academia Engagement: Introduce more industry-integrated programs, sector-specific incubation centers, and corporate mentorship initiatives to ensure students are job-ready and entrepreneurial.
• Promote Sustainability and Social Impact: Incorporate green practices, sustainable research, and community-driven projects into our academic framework, reinforcing our commitment to environmental responsibility.
• Rooting in tradition and embracing modernity, we aspire to develop ethically driven global leaders and thinkers who will shape the future of their respective fields while making meaningful contributions to society.

Q2. How does the university plan to adapt to the changing landscape of higher education, especially with technological advancements?

Prof Pillai: Higher education is undergoing rapid transformation, and at SVU, we embrace technology as a key enabler of learning. Our virtual learning platforms provide flexibility and personalized experiences while complementing traditional teaching methods.

We are investing in AI-driven learning systems, smart classrooms, and immersive technologies like virtual and augmented reality. These innovations are making education more interactive, engaging, and relevant, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for the demands of the modern world.

Q3. What measures are being taken to bridge the gap between industry requirements and academic learning?

Prof Pillai: We actively engage with industry leaders to shape our academic programs and research initiatives. Our curriculum is designed with real-world applications in mind, ensuring that students graduate with the skills that industries seek. Public Lectures and Civilization Studies sessions provide students with opportunities to broaden their perspectives and gain practical insights.

We engage regular and full-time Professors of Practice, identifying accomplished and experienced industrialists from different sectors of the industries, public sector undertakings and R & D establishments.

Hands-on experiences through internships, projects, and collaborations are integral to our approach. We are expanding industry-academia initiatives by launching sector-specific incubation centers like riidl and Bio-riidl, strengthening entrepreneurial programs, and increasing funding for student-led research projects that tackle contemporary industry challenges. Notably, our engineering students participated in the Formula Student event with an e-vehicle they designed and built themselves. Additionally, events like Maker Mela and SIIF provide a platform for our students to pitch their ideas and secure funding from industry leaders.

Q4. What steps are being taken to improve the quality of education and research at the university?

Prof Pillai: We emphasize interdisciplinary education, fostering critical thinking, and preparing students to address complex challenges. Research is a core focus, with faculty and students actively engaged in projects that have real-world impact.

To support this, we have international research collaborations; we offer research grants, including seed money grants for fresh faculty members; we establish dedicated centers of excellence in key areas in Management, Sustainability, Engineering and technology, Basic and Applied Sciences, digital transformation, and in Indian Knowledge Systems. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where education, training and research go hand in hand, driving innovation and societal progress.

To provide updated knowledge and skills to Faculty and Staff, we have a dedicated Faculty and Staff Development Centre (FSDC) offering regular short- and long-term capacity-building and training programs for teachers, technical and administrative staff.

Q5. What kind of collaborations does the university have with industry partners, and how do these benefit students?

Prof Pillai: Strong industry collaborations are at the heart of our academic approach. We have joint industry- academia-taught programs in industry-relevant areas like polymer science and technology, polyurethane technology. A key partnership is the Shimadzu-Somaiya Vidyavihar Centre of Excellence in Analytical and Measurement Sciences, established with Shimadzu Corporation. This center focuses on applied research and method development in fields like materials science and advanced instrumentation, providing students with hands-on experience using cutting-edge technology. Additionally, we have partnerships with industry leaders like Evoniks India Linited and BASF supporting

Beyond this, our international collaborations span the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa, enabling student and faculty exchanges, joint research, and internships. We are also actively engaging with startups and corporate accelerators to expose students to emerging fields such as fintech, digital transformation, and next-generation technologies.

Q6. Are there any new academic programs or courses being introduced in the upcoming session?

Prof Pillai: We continuously update our curriculum to align with evolving industry trends and academic advancements. One of the exciting additions is a certificate course on Green Chemistry, developed in collaboration with the Green Chemistry Foundation and implemented by the Somaiya Institute for Research and Consultancy (SIRAC). This course is designed for industry professionals seeking to integrate sustainable practices into their work.

Additionally, we are involved in initiatives like We Chemie and the International Conference on Biodiversity and Traditional Knowledge (ICBTD), fostering knowledge exchange and innovation in sustainable sciences. These efforts reinforce our commitment to shaping a greener, more responsible future through education and research.

We are also now accepting applications for the Somaiya Summer School Programme, designed for students from grades 8 to 12. This program offers a unique opportunity to experience university life through specially curated lectures and hands-on activities, allowing students to explore various academic fields before choosing their career paths. Through interactive learning and expert guidance, participants gain valuable insights into their areas of interest, helping them make informed decisions about their future.

Q7. What are the flagship programs of the university?
Prof Pillai: Our flagship programs span a wide range of disciplines. In management, the K. J. Somaiya Institute of Management offers MBA programs with specializations in Sports Management, Business Analytics and Data Science, Healthcare Management, Marketing, and Operations Management.

In engineering, we offer B.Tech programs in Computer Engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Information Technology, and Electronics Engineering. We prepare our students for Industry 5.0 by integrating AI and emerging technologies, ensuring they develop the technical expertise needed for their fields.

Beyond these, we take pride in our programs in Dharma Studies, Ayurveda, Physiotherapy, and Mass Communication & Journalism, which blend traditional knowledge with modern innovations to create a well-rounded academic experience.

Q8. What is the student-faculty ratio at the university?

Prof Pillai: It varies across different institutes, but overall, we maintain a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1. This ensures that students receive personalized attention and mentorship, fostering a more engaging and supportive learning experience.

Q9. Tell us about the university's placements. Is the placement cell active for off-campus placements as well?

Prof Pillai: Our placement cell is highly proactive, working closely with industries to facilitate job opportunities for students. We don’t just focus on campus placements—we also connect students with startup incubators, international job fairs, and entrepreneurial mentorship programs to broaden their career prospects.

Beyond recruitment, we offer career counseling, skill development workshops, and networking opportunities, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate their professional journeys. For the latest updates, students can always reach out to the placement cell directly.

Q10. What role do the university's alumni play for currently enrolled students?

Prof Pillai: Our alumni network plays a vital role in mentoring, networking, and career development. Many of our alumni return as guest speakers, industry mentors, and collaborators, sharing their experiences and insights with students.

Our dedicated alumni network facilitates internships, job placements, and startup collaborations. Many alumni also contribute to scholarships and research initiatives, helping students access valuable resources and opportunities.

Through global alumni chapters, our students can connect with professionals across diverse industries and geographies, gaining insights into international career paths and emerging trends. The alumni community is an essential pillar of our vision for holistic education and lifelong learning.

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