Dr. K R Ananthapadmanaban is the Dean of the College of Science and Humanities at SRM Institute of Science and Technology. He holds an MCA degree along with an M.Phil. and a PhD. He has served the academic fraternity for more than two decades and has played a vital role as the HOD of Computer Science at SRM Arts and Science College Kattankulathur.

As an avid researcher Dr. Ananthapadmanaban is an expert in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Semantic Web. To his credit, he has many research publications in renowned international journals and published patents. There are also many research scholars who are pursuing their PhD degrees under his able guidance. He has been instrumental in introducing innovative practises in the institution for the empowerment of students and faculty members, organized many conferences, and workshops to bridge the gap between academia and industry, and indulged students in many outreach activities.

SRM Institute of Science and Technology

What is the latest program that you are offering in your institute/dept. which will help students outperform and stand apart from the crowd?

In this modern era of technological world the programmes introduced at College of Science and humanities, Vadapalani focus on the holistic development of the students and make them industry ready. Recently, we introduced a B.Sc. degree in Data Science, B.Sc. degree in Psychology and a B.Com Hons degree in International Accounting and Finance. We also have a postgraduate degree in MCA and M.Com introduced recently.

What will you say are the “best practices” in the course you’re offering?

The academia-industry interface, internships, projects, industrial visits, and activity based learning equip our students with the attributes that are meant to help students progress in their careers. These will give them the right skills to land the right job and have a long-sustaining career.

How does the program ensure that students are being prepared for the future?

We have incorporated several factors to give our students a competitive edge. For instance, our updated curriculum, student- centric teaching-learning process, well-qualified committed faculty, development of employable/entrepreneurial skills through the conduct of various skill-enhancing training programmes, and skill enrichment certificate courses all help prepare the students for their futures.

How did you train yourself / faculty to deliver this program to the students?

When a new academic year commences, faculty orientation programmes are conducted to equip faculty with the necessary skills and adapt themselves to the changing student community. These programmes are conducted regularly for professional development and for teachers to update their knowledge. We also have monthly department audit meetings and faculty appraisal review meetings conducted pave the way for the faculty members to build their competent skills and impart quality education 

How do you tend to build an industry connect with this program?

Students undergo mandatory internships in prominent industry sectors every year. Eminent industry experts are also invited to deliver lectures in seminars, workshops and training programmes at our college. Students are exposed to industry connections through industrial visits organized by every department of the institution. 

What were the challenges that you faced while inculcating this program in your curriculum?

After the pandemic, the students’ rigour to acquire knowledge has reduced. Additionally, the more attached to electronic gadgets people become, their attention spans and concentration in the classroom decreases. There are some of our major challenges that we are working on addressing.

What are the types of projects that the students are working on through this program?

Students undertake several type of projects. Our past students have done survey based projects based on the needs of the community –social, economical, cultural, education,current issues pertaining to the neighborhood and other relevant matters. Our students also work on real-time projects and software projects.

What are the benefits and career options after pursuing this course?

All our new programmes introduced are designed in such a way that students can get immediate employment after graduation. Our students are placed in renowned corporate, IT, banking and insurance companies during the final semester of their period of study. Many students also take up higher studies in top-notch universities/institutions in India and abroad.

Being a Faculty/ HOD/ Dean of the College, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

My role as a Dean is multifaceted and I have to shoulder numerous responsibilities. Discipline, regularity and punctuality to college, respect towards faculty and fellow students, code of conduct in college, academic excellence, development of skills needed for employability and entrepreneurship, nurturing students’ innate talents and developing self-reliant individuals, and creating socially responsible students are some of my duties.

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

We have a student council comprises of representatives from all the departments. There are regular meetings with the students council to discuss issues regarding the students. The Student Grievance Cell addresses the grievances of students and corrective and healthy measures are accordingly adopted. Furthermore, we have HOD meetings conducted during the first week of every month to ensure the smooth functioning of the institution. Faculty members are also taken into account through staff meetings. 

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students?

Our curriculum is updated according to changing trends in the industry whenever required. The syllabus of the courses offered is also revised adhering to the changing trends of the programme of study.

What are your views upon the placements and higher education about the students from your department or how does your department prepare students for Higher education?

Training is imparted by eminent faculty members for developing aptitude skills for appearing for competitive and professional examinations. We also have a career development cell that organizes various activities and workshops to enhance the analytical, logical, reasoning and the problem-solving skills of the students. 

Do you have any extracurricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to the real-world challenges?

Every department conducts co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, seminars, workshops to enhance their domain specific knowledge. They also have activities where they undertake socio-economic projects that foster the neighborhood and the community. Computer Science students develop software needed for app development and handle real-time application oriented projects.

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

We have an excellent Curriculum, eminent faculty with rich teaching experience, and an innovative teaching pedagogy. We also regularly organize conferences, workshops and activities for empowering students, high placement records, notable Alumni, and sport stars in national and International levels. Moreover, the location of our college is in the heart of the city with accessibility to the metro station and all modes of public transport. 

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

Students are the pillars of the future generation. They can experience an environment that ignites an inquisitive mind, nurtures a sense of social responsibility and contributes to the sustainable development of the society and the nation at SRM IST, College of Science and Humanities, Vadapalani.