Dr. Hemant Dhabhai is the Director of the Aravali Institute of Technical Studies. He holds a Diploma, a B.E. a M.Tech and a PhD degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering. With over 20 years of experience, he has worked in both academia and industrial experience.

Dr. Dhabhai was responsible for the NAAC accreditation of the Aravali Institute of Technical Studies. He has supervised over 16 M.Tech. research scholars and has four patents. Furthermore, he has published over 40 papers in reputed journals and presented 26 papers at international and national conferences. He has organised eight different national conferences and developed the Robotics laboratory at the Aravali Institute.

Dr Hemant Dhabhai

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

Adopting innovation and keeping up with shifting trends are frequently necessary for being linked to the education sector. To offer innovative educational technologies, pedagogical strategies, and projects that improve the teaching and learning process is what motivates me. As a Director, I have the chance to direct and influence the college's general course. The main driving force is the opportunity to improve students, faculty members, and staff members' educational experiences.

My motivation to help kids achieve drives all of my efforts. By establishing a setting that promotes learning, offers high-quality instruction, and gets students ready for their future careers or higher education. I am constantly driven to strengthen the college's reputation, draw in more students, boost its academic offerings, and forge strategic alliances.

Being the Director of Aravali Institute of Technical Studies, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My leadership style can be defined as adaptability, empathy, and a dedication to continual improvement are necessary for effective leadership, which is a process of continuous learning. I also prioritise students, their needs, interests, and success at the forefront of efforts to provide a welcoming, encouraging, and stimulating learning environment that fosters student development, progress, and achievement.

Being the Director of Aravali Institute of Technical Studies, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your college?

As the Director of an engineering college, I evaluate a variety of aspects and coordinate them with the college's aims and objectives while strategizing about important marketing and administrative programmes and plans. This information is the basis for creating marketing and management strategies that complement the general course of the college. We do this by researching to understand the present situation of the education industry, including the demand for engineering programmes, the level of competition, and new trends.

We create a marketing plan and include things like branding, digital marketing, conventional advertising, hiring events, and public relations. A good online presence is essential for a college's marketing and management in the modern digital era. We are making sure the college's website is educational, simple to use, and aesthetically pleasing. We also concentrate on creating and sustaining alliances with pertinent businesses, organizations for professionals, and alumni networks in order to improve the college's profile and offer worthwhile chances for students. These alliances may result in research collaborations, guest lectures, internships, and career placements.

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The education systems in India and other foreign countries are structured very differently. In your experience, what can an inbound student gain from studying here in your institute?

Although there may be structural disparities between the educational systems in India and other nations, studying in an Indian institution can provide a distinctive and enriching experience with many academic, cultural, and personal advantages. Our institute places equal emphasis on academic knowledge and the development of real-world, and industry-relevant skills. Our programmes give students the opportunity to receive practical knowledge and experience that can improve their employability through hands-on training, internships, and industry visits.

AITS may be more economical to attend than some other institutions. India is also renowned for encouraging entrepreneurship and has a thriving startup environment. The student will be exposed to this dynamic environment while attending our institute, which promotes innovation, creativity, and an entrepreneurial mindset. Udaipur is a city renowned for its diverse and rich cultural heritage. Students will have the chance to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, immerse themselves in this vibrant culture, and develop a greater understanding of Indian traditions, rituals, and values by studying at AITS.

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How does the curriculum of Aravali Institute of Technical Studies ensure the best practice of industry?

We frequently update and expand our curricula in partnership with businesses and professions. Through this collaboration, we make sure that the curriculum represents the most recent practices, technology, and trends in the sector. We also have industry professionals contribute to the creation of the curriculum, guest lectures, workshops, and real-world case studies. In addition, we create advisory boards made up of professionals and specialists from the sector. These boards offer direction and insight about demands and trends in the business. By offering revisions, defining crucial skill requirements, and suggesting pertinent subjects and courses, they assist in shaping the curriculum.

The balance between theoretical knowledge and practical skills is another goal of our institution. To give students real-world exposure and experience, the curriculum frequently incorporates practical training, practical assignments, laboratory work, and industry projects.

Any insights into how your university could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of different races and economic backgrounds requires a multifaceted approach that involves various aspects of university operations and culture. We have clear policies on diversity and inclusion that make it clear that it welcomes students from all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. We offer scholarships, grants, and financial aid programmes that are especially created to support students from economically disadvantaged families in order to overcome economic imbalances.

The success and sense of belonging of underrepresented students can be greatly enhanced by creating specialized support services and resources. Affinity groups that offer a sense of community and support may fall under this category, along with academic counselling, and mentorship programmes. To gain a deeper understanding of the experiences and difficulties faced by students from various racial and socioeconomic backgrounds, faculty, staff, and administrators also receive training in cultural competence and sensitivity.

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

My job entails a variety of obligations and duties that support the institution's overall success and the well-being of the students. The Director provides strategic direction and leadership to the college. They create and articulate the college's vision, purpose, and goals, ensuring that they are in line with the major aims of the organisation. They collaborate with the college's employees, teachers, and other stakeholders to ensure its success and expansion.

It is my duty to uphold and improve the college's academic standards and quality. I am responsible for managing the college's administrative functions, which include budgeting, resource allocation, facility management, and infrastructure development. The Director supports the staff members and faculty's professional growth. The director is in charge of ensuring the students' general well-being. They work to establish a climate that is encouraging and welcoming so that kids can succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. I am responsible for managing the college's administrative functions, which include budgeting, resource allocation, facility management, and infrastructure development.

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

Over the next 10 years, our priorities should be to help our institute adapt to the evolving needs of the industry, prepare students for future challenges, and contribute to societal advancements through technology and innovation. The institute should put its efforts into modernizing its curriculum to meet the demands of the market and new technology. Collaboration between the private and public sectors of industry and academia can assist close the knowledge and talent gap between the two.

Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation among engineering students can foster a culture of creativity and problem-solving. Interdisciplinary study integration can give engineering students a larger skill set and enable them to take on challenging problems. Social and ethical responsibility should be prioritized by the institute, and students should be taught to take social responsibility seriously. To promote creativity, create new knowledge, and improve technology, the institute needs to fund research and development projects.

When you first came to Aravali Institute of Technical Studies, what was your vision for the college? Has it evolved over time, and how far along in implementing that vision are you?

I joined AITS in 2009 as Head of Department in Electronics & Communication Department. Soon after joining, I was promoted to Assistant Director and then to Director. My vision was to build this college as one of the Top Engineering College of Southern Rajasthan. Based on the dedicated efforts of our management, faculties, students, staff, and other stack holders, AITS is now amongst the Top Engineering colleges of Rajasthan having 13th Ranked in the years 2021-22 and 2022-23 in RTU QIV Ranking with NAAC Accreditation.

What would you like people to know about your institute they may not know?

We are an NAAC accredited institute. We have a large team of highly qualified and experienced teachers who actively engage in research. We have an effective mentoring system that provides constant guidance to the student and feedback to the parent. Our college has modern, world class infrastructure. AITS is proud to claim to be a safe, ragging free and beautiful green campus with ultra-modern facilities to learn and live.

We are technology driven by online software and have lectures and tutorials with NPTEL-supported teaching videos. We have collaborations with IIT Bombay for spoken tutorials to learn new technologies. Our Entrepreneurship Development Cell (EDC) intends to prepare the students adequately set up their own businesses.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and Aravali Institute of Technical Studies specifically?

Some of our biggest challenges is in acquiring more research projects. We struggle with student placements in core industries and in initiating consultancy services from the industries. There is a high cost of delivering education that is not suitable for students from all economic backgrounds. We want to continue retaining the top position among all Engineering Colleges in the country. We also want to improve the employability of the students in the current scenario of rapidly changing technology and industrial requirements as well as policies prevailing from time to time in MNCs.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

Everyone's journey is unique, and success is defined differently for everyone. Stay true to yourself, embrace your passions, and continue to learn and grow. With dedication, perseverance, and a positive mindset, you can achieve great things.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for Aravali Institute of Technical Studies international affairs and/or students?

Yes, we are planning to create Student Exchange Programs where students can go to international institutes to complete a year of their education. We are also planning to introduce Internship Program in all courses and not just a couple of postgraduate degrees.