Mr. Mohd Salman Abbasi is the Head of the Civil Engineering Department at Astral Institute of Technology and Research. He holds an M.Tech in Structural Engineering. He has a 5-year 8 8-month and 21 days of teaching experience to teach and prepare the competitors for the Civil Engineering competitive examinations (such as MPPSC AE, PEB SE, SSC JE) and also studied the BE students. He has also attended a workshop on Cube Making.

Astral Institute of Technology and Research

What keeps you connected with the education sector and how has your experience been with the institute?

I am in the Civil branch and serve as the Head of Civil Engineering. We offer several B. Tech courses, including different branches like CS, IT, Mechanical, and EC. Civil Engineering falls under my responsibility. Engineering involves designing the structure of buildings and providing benefits to any structure. For instance, in building design, we often incorporate elements that reduce the need for artificial lighting or fans, leading to various advantages. Civil Engineering encompasses different streams. We have a surveying branch that deals with technical aspects like geotechnics, focusing on designing structures based on appropriate foundations. The scope of Civil Engineering is vast, especially with ongoing projects like the metro in cities like Indore, extending to places like Dewas and Ujjain. Additionally, Civil Engineers play crucial roles in projects such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, highlighting the importance of Civil Engineering in various sectors.

What is your philosophy of leadership?

My philosophy revolves around guiding students effectively. Many teachers impart knowledge, but not every student grasps it. Taking the example of engineering colleges, each branch within a college has a distinct role, including considerations for the environment. In our branch, we prioritize minimizing environmental impact. For instance, during excavations or construction activities, I believe in providing clear explanations to students and conducting thorough analyses. Proper analysis is crucial. Each branch, like computer science, deals with software that can’t be physically touched or felt. It’s intangible. Unlike software, Civil Engineering is tangible; you can experience the results directly. Whether it’s constructing roads or managing infrastructure, Civil Engineering encompasses practical applications that students can feel and understand.

How does the curriculum of your institute ensure the best practices of the industry?

Our institute ensures best practices through our curriculum by providing internship programs for students starting from the first year through the third year. We have an approval process in place where students are placed in different companies such as PD Agrawal and Dilip Buildcon. We train our students in six-month intervals, with internships lasting for 15 days in the first year, one month in the second year, and another 15 days in the third year. This approach allows our students to gain practical experience alongside theoretical knowledge. For example, if we teach about road construction, we ensure that students have the opportunity to see and work on such projects during their internships. These practices are fundamental to bridging the gap between theory and practical application.

Check Astral Institute of Technology and Research Placement

What is the top priority of your college in the upcoming years?

We are implementing digital classes and organizing seminars on various topics, including English. We aim to enhance digital presentations and provide a more technologically advanced learning environment.

What do you think is the greatest strength of your college?

The strength of our college lies in our commitment to providing 100% support to our students. All the faculty and staff members in our college dedicate themselves entirely to the student’s success. Unlike other colleges where students often feel demotivated, we ensure a balanced approach to both theoretical and practical aspects of education. For instance, when it comes to projects like designing a bridge or any ongoing project, students receive hands-on training. They present their projects practically, and we conduct demonstrations using dummy models. This approach motivates students and fosters analytical skills as they experience both theoretical learning and practical application.

Any suggestions you want to provide to the students and aspiring youth?

My suggestion to students and aspiring youth is to study diligently, think about the country, progress in your chosen field, and strive to become the best in your field so that no one surpasses your expertise. I firmly believe in this approach.