Dr. P. M. Prasuna is the Head of the Department of Computer Science Engineering at Ramachandra College of Engineering. She holds a B.Tech., an M.Tech. and a PhD from JNTU Hyderabad. With 20 years of experience, she has worked with numerous academic colleges. She has conducted five faculty development programs and workshops. Dr. Prasuna has published and presented 11 papers at international and national conferences and journals. She has a patent to her name and has received the Best Teacher Award from the Vice Chancellor of JNTU-K.

Ramachandra College of Engineering

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?

As a professor with 20+ years of experience, I remain connected with the education sector due to my unwavering passion for facilitating learning and my commitment to nurturing the intellectual and personal growth of students. The profound impact I have on their lives, the ongoing intellectual stimulation, and the opportunity to contribute to a better society through education continue to motivate and inspire me.

Being the HOD of Ramachandra College of Engineering what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

As the HOD of Ramachandra College of Engineering, my leadership philosophy is visionary. I believe in setting a clear vision and direction for the department. This vision should align with the institution's broader goals and be communicated effectively to all stakeholders. I encourage collaboration and open communication within the department. This includes promoting teamwork among faculty members, students, and staff to facilitate the exchange of ideas and expertise. I aim to provide the necessary resources, support, and autonomy to my team. This empowerment enables faculty and staff to take ownership of their work and make meaningful contributions. I am committed to a culture of continuous improvement. Regular assessments, feedback mechanisms, and the adoption of best practises ensure that the department remains at the forefront of engineering education. The quality of education and the overall development of students are of paramount importance. I prioritise creating an environment where students can thrive academically, personally, and professionally. High ethical standards are non-negotiable. I lead by example, promoting integrity, transparency, and ethical conduct among faculty, staff, and students. I see myself as both an inspiration and a mentor to the members of the department. I aim to inspire them to reach their full potential and provide mentorship to facilitate their growth and career development.

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?

Education in foreign countries mainly focuses on practical orientation in gaining knowledge. But in India, the educational system and parents also mainly focus on the marks and ranks gained by the students. However, according to my knowledge, I have observed some major changes towards practical orientation and hands-on experience, especially in the engineering stream. This has to be modified a lot. For example: if we give a task to the students, as a teacher, I should see the involvement of the student in making the task rather than the complete product of the task. Incoming students get to experience our academic excellence, practical exposure, research opportunities, and networking and alumni connections.

How does the curriculum of Ramachandra College of Engineering ensure the best practice of industry?

Our college offers courses that are aligned with industry needs and trends. This means that students are taught the most relevant and up-to-date content, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges. We periodically review and update our curriculum to keep it in line with the latest industry standards and technologies. This helps ensure that students are learning skills and knowledge that are currently in demand. Practical and hands-on learning are integrated into the curriculum. Students can work on real-world projects, gain practical experience, and develop skills that are directly applicable to the industry. Industry experts are often invited to deliver guest lectures. These experts can provide insights into the latest industry developments, share their practical experiences, and offer valuable perspectives that enhance the student's understanding of the field. Students are taken on industry visits to gain a firsthand understanding of how organisations operate. These visits expose students to different work environments, technologies, and practises, helping them connect theory with real-world applications. Our campus has collaborative research projects with industry partners to provide students and faculty with opportunities to work on real industry problems. This not only benefits the industry but also exposes students to research and development in practical settings. Our college focuses on developing soft skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are highly valued in the industry and contribute to students' overall readiness for the workforce.

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What do you think should be the Institute's top priority over the next 5 years?

Embracing digital transformation is essential for staying competitive and relevant in today's rapidly evolving technological landscape. This could involve modernising infrastructure, adopting new digital tools and technologies, and promoting a digital-first mindset. Fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups can drive economic growth, innovation, and job creation. Investing in programmes, resources, and mentorship for entrepreneurs can help cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem. Focusing on community impact research demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Research that addresses local and global challenges can have a positive influence on society, fostering sustainable and inclusive development. Developing an innovation district can serve as a hub for collaboration, creativity, and knowledge exchange to attract businesses, researchers, and entrepreneurs, leading to economic growth and innovation.

What do you see as your institute's greatest strengths?

Our college has strong leadership with a clear vision and a deep passion for serving the student community, which is a fundamental strength. This can provide the necessary direction and motivation to achieve the institute's goals. We have a commitment to research and innovation that is essential to staying relevant in many fields. It suggests that our institute is at the forefront of knowledge creation and application, which can be attractive to students and partners. We maintain high academic standards, which indicates that we are dedicated to providing a quality education and ensuring our students receive a strong foundation in their chosen fields. Our connections with the industry are assets as they can open up opportunities for internships, collaborations, and potential job placements for our students. This can also keep the curriculum aligned with industry needs. We have an innovative curriculum that reflects our institute's adaptability to changing educational trends and needs. It shows that our institute is not only focused on tradition but is also willing to evolve and meet the demands of modern education.

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

The college provides a platform for students to interact with experts in various fields, learn from their experiences, and gain insights into the latest trends and developments. The conferences and workshops organised by the college cover a wide range of topics, from science and technology to business and economics, and from literature and the arts to the social sciences and humanities. These events provide students with an opportunity to network with professionals, exchange ideas, and explore new avenues of research. The group discussions and expert lectures are another highlight of the college's intellectual environment. These events feature eminent personalities from different walks of life who share their perspectives on various issues and challenges facing society. The college also hosts a variety of competitions and festivals that provide students with a platform to showcase their talents and skills. These events include literary and cultural festivals, science and technology fairs, business plan competitions, and sports tournaments. The competitions and festivals not only promote healthy competition but also foster a sense of community and camaraderie among students.

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

Embrace curiosity, resilience, and ethical leadership. Never stop learning, stay adaptable, and contribute to society. Believe in your potential to make a positive impact on the world.