Suresh Babu is the principal of Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology, Trivandrum. He holds a B.Tech degree from the University of Kerala, a M.Tech degree from IIT Roorkee, and a PhD from PSG College of Technology. With over 35 years of experience in engineering education, Mr. Babu has also served as a member of the Board of Studies for the University of Kerala, the Board of Studies for Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, and various other prestigious accolades to his name. His vision is to create responsible, holistic citizens capable of navigating a tech-savvy society, ensuring sustainable development through adequate support, infrastructure, and spiritual growth.

Suresh Babu

What are the Key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

As an engineering graduate with a MTech from IIT and a total of 35 years of experience in the upper echelons of educational institutions, I am passionate about enhancing the quality of education. I am motivated to take the initiative in promoting continuous learning and up-to-date knowledge by linking external knowledge with classroom learning. Additionally, I have been focusing on technological integration and fostering industry-academic partnerships, as these measures can bridge the gap in pedagogy. I strive to build strong relationships with students, parents, educators, and the community, allowing me to create supportive and enriching educational experiences. The result of these approaches would help develop students into responsible citizens who manage their personal lives and careers with prudence and uphold the concept of sustainability.

What is your Philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

As the principal of Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology (RIET), my leadership philosophy is reflected through a transformational leadership style, where I strive to inspire idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individual consideration. I believe in empowering the faculty community through this philosophy, encouraging innovation, celebrating the achievements of members, and helping them embrace inevitable changes for both individual and institutional growth.

I lead by upholding high ethical standards and professionalism to earn the trust and respect of my team through transparent actions, thereby creating a positive and trustworthy environment. By aligning my work with the institution’s mission and goals, I demonstrate a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of education, while motivating and energizing faculty and students to pursue our shared objectives. Additionally, I foster an environment that encourages innovative thinking and the generation of new ideas, providing personalized support and mentorship. I ensure that the team’s achievements are recognized and celebrated, promoting intellectual stimulation and individual consideration. I also assist faculty and students in navigating and embracing inevitable changes as situations demand.

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

The Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology (RIET) welcomes students from different races and economic backgrounds by adhering to a policy of social commitment. In line with this policy, we have been waiving full-tuition fees for professional courses for deprived sections of the community. The same policy was extended to the children of CRPF personnel in 2024. Additionally, we are implementing more inclusive admissions policies by providing scholarships for economically backward students, ultimately adopting a merit-cum-means approach. Our commitment to inclusivity embraces students from diverse backgrounds, including those from Mizoram, Manipur, and the Maldives, broadening our horizons. We offer accessible mental health services, foster a campus climate that supports cultural diversity, and incorporate local communities and organizations to supplement their efforts. We highly value their feedback in the academic arena.

Check  Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology - [RIET] Courses & Fees 

What are the plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students?

We have designed and are implementing a comprehensive range of plans aimed at enhancing the student experience and preparing them for successful futures. We are committed to expanding the scholarship program to support students from diverse economic backgrounds, along with merit-cum-means scholarships. These steps have removed financial barriers to quality education for deserving students. Our regular plan for industry partnerships and internships creates pathways for students to gain robust experience and industry insights. The well-planned skill development programs, along with the syllabus, enrich students’ soft skills with a special emphasis on effective communication enhancement. The class plans are designed to improve employability skills and foster a lifetime learning culture among students, helping them confront real-world problem-solving and critical thinking challenges. Additionally, we are promoting a vibrant campus life with cultural and extracurricular activities. Our career counselling and placement services are being strengthened to offer personalized guidance to students. An idea lab, established with the aid of the central government, assists students in their career prospects, and we are continuously fostering research and innovation. We plan to fine-tune these initiatives with AI advancements. The entire plan for providing quality education also aims to develop students into ethically responsible individuals, instilling values of integrity and social responsibility. Lastly, we are committed to promoting sustainability initiatives among students. These initiatives collectively aim to create a supportive, dynamic, and inclusive environment that equips our students with the knowledge, skills, and values necessary to excel in their professional and personal lives.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your college?

Establishing a healthy relationship in our college is a top priority. We have been promoting open communication among students, faculty, and administration. To support this, we place great importance on student-parent and faculty meetings, college meetings, feedback sessions, and an open-door policy to ensure constant stakeholder engagement with transparent communication. We have implemented policies for frequent interactions among students to help them become better listeners, thinkers, and coordinators, promoting equality and considering all students regardless of their background. Cultural events, diversity workshops, and inclusive practices are integral to our campus life, helping to build a sense of community and mutual respect. Faculty members are not just instructors; they are deeply invested in the progress and success of our students. Students enjoy extracurricular activities, and we encourage them to participate in various cultural events, which build strong relationships and develop a sense of belonging. We emphasize the importance of mental health and well-being by providing comprehensive counselling services, wellness programs, and stress-relief activities. Our supportive mental health team is always available to assist students in confronting any challenges they may face. Finally, we are committed to sustainability and social responsibility. By combining all these efforts, we aim to create a healthy relationship and environment within our college.

How do you bring in a practical approach towards the subject and make it industry oriented?

We have been maintaining strong relationships with several industry leaders in both the productive and service sectors. This relationship allows us to invite industry professionals to deliver lectures, providing students with first hand insights and interactions to learn about the latest trends and technologies relevant to their subjects. These efforts are supplemented by valuable information from articles and real environmental scanning by students, which are evaluated by faculty members and discussed in detail. Students are encouraged to participate in internship programs, which help them transition from subject knowledge to an industry- oriented perspective, gaining valuable hands-on experience in workplace dynamics. Furthermore, we have established a state-of-the-art Idea Lab and Innovation Centre equipped with the latest technology. These facilities support students in working on cutting-edge projects and research initiatives. Our students are well aware of the latest industry advancements, thanks to the support of faculty members who are encouraged to undergo continuous professional development and training in the latest industry trends. To fine-tune the industry- oriented views of our students, we emphasize skill development programs that focus on both technical and soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Workshops, seminars, and certification courses are also regularly organized to help students gain additional skills that are highly valued in the industry.

How does your college prepare students for placements?

Our college employs a comprehensive placement strategy that combines academic excellence, skill development, industry exposure, and personalized support to help students secure their dream jobs. We are dedicated to delivering the syllabus within the designated time frame, while also providing additional knowledge across various subjects; inspiring them to attend additional courses along with their study and integrating theoretical concepts with practical industry experience. To achieve this, we have developed a strategic plan that includes training in communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving, and we maintain strong relationships with leading companies across different sectors. Our dedicated counselling and placement cell offers personalized guidance through resume writing workshops, mock interviews, aptitude tests, and career counselling sessions. We regularly host industry interaction sessions, providing students with insights into current industry trends, expectations, and opportunities. Students also have opportunities to participate in soft skills and personality development sessions, which help enhance their creativity and innovative abilities, ultimately improving their performance in placement interviews. Additionally, we organize job fairs and invite top companies to recruit our students. Our placement cell continuously seeks feedback from employers about the evolving demands of the job market, ensuring that our students are well-prepared to meet these requirements and secure placement opportunities.

How does the department/college enhance the skills of the faculty and prepare them according to industrial standards?

The RIET is centered on the skill enhancement of faculty members, with an eye to preparing them according to industrial standards. To attain this skill enhancement, RIET has adopted a multifaceted approach. Primarily, the focus is on continuous professional development through workshops, seminars, industry-related training programs, and conferences to keep the faculty updated with industrial standards. We have adopted strong relationships with industrial leaders, and these collaborations contribute to guest lecturing from prominent industry personalities, interactions with them, joint research projects, and consultancy work. This exposure helps faculty stay informed about the latest information on industries, which ultimately reflects in their teaching. We have initiated a Faculty Development Programme (FDP) for faculty members from other colleges. RIET has been initiating professional development support for faculty members for research promotions in different disciplines. Faculty members are assessed through regular feedback and evaluation from students, alumni, and industrial experts. This feedback serves as the backbone for enhancing teaching methods and the professional improvement of faculty members, ensuring they have cutting-edge knowledge in their teaching to meet industry standards. We also encourage peer learning from experienced faculty members. Training programs are conducted for faculty members to ensure they are well-versed in the latest technological advancements. By implementing these strategies, we ensure that our faculty members are well-equipped to deliver high-quality education that meets industry standards and prepares students for successful careers.

Check  Rajadhani Institute of Engineering and Technology - [RIET] Placements 2024

What do you see as the college’s greatest strengths and how it can be enhanced?

As a professional college principal, I have identified the following as RIET’s greatest strengths. Our college has a strong academic foundation with robust academic programs and a commitment to quality education. We have a comprehensive plan to integrate students' knowledge with industrial trends and technological advancements. Our strengths are further polished by experienced and dedicated faculty members who are passionate about upgrading and updating their knowledge in line with current industrial requirements. Our industrial connections and internship opportunities enhance our strengths, resulting in placement opportunities for students. It is apparent that RIET has state-of-the-art facilities, including modern labs, libraries, and technological resources to support effective learning. Moreover, we constantly update these facilities. We have a comprehensive student support services system, including academic advising, career counselling, and mental health support, and we are enhancing it for more personalized support for students. We encourage research and innovation among faculty members and students, utilizing our Idea Labs facilities. Our strength also lies in our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and our strong relationships with all stakeholders.The various departments, including Polytechnic, BTech with 10 branches, BHMCT degree, and MBA, significantly contribute to the strength of RIET. Our strong alumni network provides valuable connections and career opportunities for students. RIET is focusing on these strengths and continuously seeking opportunities for improvement.

What valuable advice would you like to give the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

It is my wish that all students graduating from our institution secure good jobs and have prosperous careers ahead. Therefore, my advice to students is:

  • Continuous learning keeps a professional perfect. Stay updated by developing a habit of continuous learning and understanding the evolving changes in the industry.
  • Develop and polish your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership, as these are highly valued by employers.
  • Take advantage of the internship program, as it is a stepping stone for gaining practical experience, enhancing skills, and providing valuable insights.
  • Build a professional network as a tool for career growth. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with alumni and mentors. This will help you stay informed about industry developments.
  • Always set clear, achievable career goals and work hard to attain them. Reassess your goals and adjust your plans as needed based on your experiences and interests.
  • Be adaptable and open to change in response to new situations and challenges. Maintain positive thinking.
  • Actively seek feedback from mentors, colleagues, and supervisors, and use this feedback to identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
  • While pursuing career success, maintain a healthy work-life balance. Make time for personal interests, family, and relaxation to avoid burnout and maintain overall well-being.
  • Building a reputation as a reliable and ethical individual will enhance your career prospects and earn you the respect of colleagues and employers.
  • Stay passionate and self-driven. Stay motivated, pursue your interests with enthusiasm, and remain committed to achieving your career goals.

These are my pieces of advice to students to help them build a better future and become better human beings, who are useful to society.