Dr. C. Saravanamurthi is an Associate Professor and the Head of the Department of Robotics and Automation Engineering at the United Institute of Technology. He holds an M.E. in Computer Aided Engineering and a PhD as well from Anna University, Chennai. Dr. Saravanamurthi has worked in the industry and has contributed his skills to organisations like Accutech CNC Products and Sider Metal Pvt. Ltd.

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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?

I have been leading the Robotics and Automation department for the past five years. The main things that keep me involved in the field of education are the spirit of collaborative teamwork. I enjoy assisting a productive group of people to complete assignments on schedule and guiding them towards a common goal. I find it motivating to see my students graduate and be successful in their careers.

Being the HoD of UIT College/University, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

As the department head, I base my leadership style mostly on accountability and teamwork. Rather than assigning blame, I think it's better to collaborate with my team and share both the good and the bad. I assign duties and responsibilities according to skills and capabilities, as it enables people to complete them on time and efficiently. Moreover, I believe that being open and communicating with everyone also helps in achieving common goals quickly.

Being the HoD of UIT College/University, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your school?

In my capacity as the department head, I sincerely believe in utilising technological advancements and partnerships with prestigious universities such as IITs, NITs, and other respected schools. In addition to developing students' talents, supporting and enabling their participation in esteemed technical events is a powerful marketing tool for our university. Our dedication to quality and creativity is demonstrated by our participation in and victory in these events, which draws in potential students and faculty. Furthermore, cultivating alliances with top universities and business titans enhances our standing and expands our faculty's and students' chances.

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/ university/ school?

We place a strong emphasis on technical developments in many fields. Our dedication is to outcome-based education, which guarantees that learning is directly tied to real-world applications, which will greatly benefit incoming students. We encourage partnerships with other academic institutions, especially those abroad so that students can take advantage of a variety of teaching and learning approaches.

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How does the curriculum of UIT College/University ensure the best the practice of industry?

Our curriculum has been painstakingly created to match industry demands. Our teaching method places a strong emphasis on laboratory-based instruction to give students practical experience and real-world exposure. We also incorporate industry training and internships into the curriculum, providing students with the chance to engage with professionals in the field. to further close the knowledge gap between business and academics.

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

Our university is dedicated to fostering a friendly, inclusive community that welcomes students from all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds. To make sure that financial constraints don't prevent students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds from pursuing higher education, we provide scholarships to them. We also offer flexible scheduling to meet a range of learning needs. We also provide low-cost, state-of-the-art dorm facilities for students from economically disadvantaged households.

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

For the university and the students, my position is crucial. I make sure that university policies and programs are efficiently communicated and promptly carried out in my capacity as a key communicator and new initiative implementer. My commitment lies in inspiring and mentoring students to achieve technical proficiency and preparing them for their future careers. In addition, I work hard to establish a welcoming and stimulating learning atmosphere that encourages each student's professional and personal development.

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

For the next ten years, the university's major objective should be to fortify its alumni network and take advantage of these connections for reciprocal development. In addition, we will also be focusing on giving current students insightful advice and mentorship. We will do so by inviting eminent alumni to speak on technical and general topics that would boost the university's standing.