Dr. A. Saravanan has been serving as the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Aditya Engineering College since 2017. Holding a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Anna University, Chennai, and an M.Tech. in Thermal Engineering from the same institution, he brings 19 years of valuable teaching experience. Dr. Saravanan has made significant contributions to research with 30 papers published in high-impact international journals and holds five patents. He is a member of professional organizations, including SAE India and The National Society for Fluid Mechanics and Fluid Power (NSFMFP). His research focus in Solar Energy earned him the Best Researcher Award from Aditya Educational Institution in 2022.

Aditya Engineering College

Being a HOD of the ME Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, my primary responsibilities toward students include overseeing the quality of the mechanical engineering curriculum, ensuring a supportive learning environment, coordinating with faculty to maintain effective teaching methods, and facilitating research opportunities to enhance their academic and professional development. Maintain clear communication channels with students to ensure they are informed about departmental updates and opportunities.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty? 

As the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, I establish healthy relations with students by maintaining an open-door policy, actively listening to their feedback, and addressing their concerns promptly. I encourage faculty-student interactions through regular meetings and events, fostering a supportive learning environment. Additionally, with fellow faculty, I promote collaboration by facilitating regular departmental meetings, encouraging the exchange of ideas, and recognizing and valuing their contributions. Clear communication, approachability, and a commitment to teamwork are integral to building and maintaining positive relationships within the department.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry-oriented?

As the Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department, I bring a practical and industry-oriented approach to subjects by collaborating with industry partners for real-world projects, integrating case studies, and encouraging faculty with industry experience. We organize regular industrial visits to expose students to operational environments, leverage modern technology and simulations in teaching, and offer internships and co-op programs for hands-on experience. Continuous engagement with industry professionals helps align the curriculum with current industry practices, ensuring our graduates are well-prepared for the workforce.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students that help them gain the necessary skills?

The department enhances student skills through hands-on projects, industry collaborations, modern technology integration, and participation in the APSSDC (Andhra Pradesh State Skill Development Corporation) training program. Research opportunities and a focus on soft skills contribute to a well-rounded education. Career guidance, resume workshops, and professional certifications, along with APSSDC training, prepare students for job opportunities. Regular interactions with industry professionals and internships provide insights into current practices. The curriculum aligns with industry trends, ensuring adaptability. Emphasis on practical application fosters problem-solving abilities. Networking events, including those facilitated by the APSSDC program, enrich their professional connections. The department's approach equips students with a comprehensive skill set, enhancing their employability. Overall, these practices, including APSSDC training, empower students for successful careers.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often does it get updated to make it befitting for the students?

We update the curriculum by regularly assessing industry trends, gathering feedback from students, parents, and alumni, and involving faculty with industry experience. Collaboration with industry partners ensures that the curriculum aligns with current practices. We maintain flexibility in design to promptly incorporate changes and advancements. Committees, comprising both academia and industry representatives, conduct regular reviews for comprehensive updates. This approach ensures that our curriculum remains dynamic, responsive, and well-suited to prepare students for the demands of the engineering field.

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What are your views on the placements and higher education of the students from your department and how does your department prepare students for Higher education?

Placements and higher education are key priorities for our department, and we employ a comprehensive approach to prepare students for both pathways. We establish robust industry connections, organize recruitment events, and provide career counseling to enhance employability. Workshops on soft skills and interview preparation further empower students for successful placements, while also offering coaching support for competitive exams like GATE (Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering). For those pursuing higher education, we guide them through the process, providing information on relevant postgraduate programs and assisting with applications. The department's focus on research-oriented skills during undergraduate studies also positions students well for advanced academic endeavors, including GATE preparation for those interested in pursuing higher studies in engineering.

How do you help your student cope with the competition being so high in the outside world?

We support our students in facing external competition by focusing on skill development, including technical and soft skills. Personalized career counseling helps them understand their strengths and navigate the competitive job market. Exposure to the industry through visits and internships enhances their understanding of real-world expectations. For those aiming for higher studies or government jobs, we provide resources and coaching for competitive exams. Networking events and workshops further empower students by helping them build professional connections and opportunities in the competitive landscape

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real-world challenges?

Certainly, we actively promote extracurricular activities such as participation in technical clubs, hackathons, and engineering competitions to enhance students' skills and expose them to real-world challenges. Internships and industry visits are facilitated to provide firsthand experience and practical insights. Guest lectures by industry professionals offer diverse perspectives and insights into current trends. Additionally, we organize VEDA technical events, providing a platform for students to showcase their skills, collaborate with peers, and tackle real-world engineering challenges. These comprehensive activities, alongside research opportunities, enrich our student’s learning experiences and prepare them for the dynamic demands of the professional landscape

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

Uplifting the quality of education in our department has been challenged by limited resources affecting infrastructure and technology upgrades, impacting our ability to provide students with cutting-edge tools and equipment. Faculty development efforts are hindered by constraints, limiting our capacity to keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies. Adapting the curriculum to align with industry needs is challenging, especially given the dynamic nature of technological advancements and the limited flexibility in resource allocation. Establishing and maintaining strong industry ties for collaborative projects and internships is crucial, but the limited job opportunities in core companies for graduates pose a significant challenge. Ensuring active student engagement in extracurricular activities and research projects becomes challenging as students face uncertainties about job prospects in their core field

When you came to college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same?

Since 2017, I've been part of the institution, aspiring to support the Mechanical Engineering department's goal of being a preferred knowledge hub with a focus on critical thinking, quality research, and innovation. To achieve our vision, we are committed to establishing a cutting-edge infrastructure dedicated to designing and developing modern solutions. Our focus is on cultivating leadership, critical thinking, and innovation among our students to effectively address societal needs. Through strategic collaborations with industry, academia, and research organizations, we aim for excellence in teaching, research, and consultancy services.