Mr. Ashok Suman Ambedkar has been working as the Head of Mining Engineering Department - Faculty of Science & Technology at Sai Nath University, Ranchi, Jharkhand. He has done B.Tech as part of education and joined Sai Nath University on 6th April 2019.

Sai Nath University

Being the Department Head, what are your key responsibilities towards the college and students?

As the Department Head, my key responsibility is to ensure that our students receive a high-quality and employment oriented education by a perfect amalgamation of theory and practical exposure. And I am also accountable to schedule lectures for fellow faculty so that the syllabus of various subjects is completed on time. Also, to bridge the gaps between theory and practical exposure, I regularly encourage my students to take part in hands-on training sessions, field visits and also to pursue internships.

Last but not the least, addressing the queries and concerns of team members, managing and coordinating with faculty members within the department and creating a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone can contribute their expertise effectively, also comes under the scope of my work.

How do you bring in a practical and industry oriented approach towards subjects?

In our Mining Engineering program, subjects like geology, rock mechanics, and other mining-related topics are taught to students. And to make sure they understand the delivered concepts fully by correlating theory with their practical applications, we have established ultra-modern Laboratories in campus where students are free to learn and innovate.

Also, to make our courses industry relevant, we have established a Dark Room on campus and it has stimulated the conditions of an underground mine. This facility allows our students to practice using specialized equipment and also provides an opportunity to check oxygen levels and other gasses, creating a real-life mining scenario. 

On what kinds of projects students of your department usually work on?

Students of our Mining Engineering department work on a wide variety of projects related to open cast mining, underground mining, pit hole mining, and even projects focused on mining in adverse conditions. Other than this, we provide opportunities to students to work on underground mining projects where they primarily deal with designing and implementing efficient ventilation systems, developing technologies to enhance worker safety, or exploring new drilling and blasting techniques. 

Last but not the least, while designing our Mining Engineering programs, we have kept in mind the importance of sustainable practices which are used extensively in the industry. Therefore, we offer projects that aim to develop eco-friendly mining techniques and simultaneously students get the scope to explore topics such as reducing environmental impact, implementing reclamation strategies, or finding innovative ways to minimize waste and energy consumption in mining operations.

How do you build healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty of your college?

For the purpose of maintaining a healthy relationship with the students, I always emphasize on creating a friendly environment where students feel comfortable sharing their problems with faculty members and teachers are always committed to resolve the problems of students in a cordial and approachable manner. And coming to faculties, so we all regularly connect through formal and informal channels and try to help each other when someone gets stuck somewhere.

Apart from this, to further enhance the overall learning experience of students and make it more interactive, we use innovative teaching techniques and latest technologies along with multimedia tools, simulations, and hands-on activities. And meetings are scheduled at convenient intervals to provide opportunities for discussion and feedback.

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How did you train faculty members so that they can effectively deliver programs to students?

We have a dedicated team of highly trained faculty who have extensive experience in their respective field. Additionally, we provide regular feedback forms to the students to evaluate the performance of the faculties and identify areas of improvement. And being the Department Head, I regularly held meetings with teachers to discuss the syllabus and course structure and we also discussed best and innovative teaching practices during these meetings. 

And although all the faculty are highly proficient in their respective domains, still with changing time and demands, skill upgradation is required, hence I motivate them to regularly attend conferences, workshops, and seminars related to Mining Engineering to stay updated with the latest developments and advancements of the field.

How do you prepare your students to deal with the outside competitive world?

Our college provides vocational training programs, industry oriented certifications and expert guidance for special exams preparation to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the competitive job market. This comprehensive approach also ensures they are well-prepared to apply their classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios and have a competitive edge when facing the challenges of the outside world. 

Interested final year students also undergo a 1-year training program during last semesters to obtain a gas testing certificate or overman certificate from DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety), after which they become eligible to apply for government job exams. This certification also opens opportunities for them in the mining industry. 

Any suggestions which you would like to share with the current youth and aspiring students? 

I would like to advise my dear students to engage themselves in research projects and gain as much practical exposure as possible, because then only they will be able to achieve their goals. Also set clear and practically achievable goals and consistently work towards achieving them. 

And for students of Mining Engineering, regular practice is very crucial as it helps them develop their skills, deepen their understanding, stay updated with industry advancements and ultimately increase their chances of success.