Dr S. Manoharan graduated in Electrical and Electronics Engineering in 1997 from Government College of Technology, Coimbatore and obtained Master of Engineering in Electrical Machines from PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore in 2004. He pursued his Ph.D at Anna University, Chennai from 2006 to 2010 in the area of Electrical Machines and Drives. He has vast experience of 26 years in Academics as well as Administration. He has impressive academic credentials and has vast experience in Research and Development areas. Under his able guideship 11 scholars from Anna University, Chennai are pursuing their Ph.D and 10 have been awarded their degree. He has published over 110 + peer-reviewed research papers in prestigious national and international journals, as well as presented papers at national and international conferences. He has written and published over a half-dozen textbooks on Electrical and Electronics topics. He has received grants from DRDO and MNRE for conducting International Conferences. He is on the advisory board of many National and International Conferences and reviewer of many reputed journals. He is the fellow member of Institution of Engineers (India), Member of IEEE, a member of System Society of India and Life member of Indian Society for Technical Education.

Check JCT College of Engineering and Technology

JCT College of Engineering and Technology

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

As an academician in the education sector, I find fulfillment in the opportunity to engage with highly-educated and talented young minds. It's not about treating education as a mere revenue stream or a business venture; it's about fostering an environment where knowledge transfer, skill development, and positive attitudes thrive. Interacting with these young thinkers, who are always abreast of the latest developments and adept at problem-solving, keeps me connected to the education sector. Thus, the key factors that resonate with me include facilitating knowledge transfer, imparting essential skills, and cultivating a positive mindset among students, ensuring their holistic development.

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

Leadership, in my view, hinges on the ability to collaborate effectively with a cohesive and capable team. A leader's success is intrinsically linked to the collective efforts of the team. No significant achievement can be realized in isolation; it requires the concerted contribution of every team member. Therefore, I firmly believe in fostering an environment where teamwork is valued and nurtured. A leader must not only inspire and guide but also actively engage with the team, leveraging their diverse skills and perspectives. By fostering a culture of collaboration and shared goals, we can overcome challenges and achieve success together.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practice of industry?

Our college curriculum prioritizes experiential learning and practice-based modules to align with industry standards. Through various activities, we emphasize the development of Higher Order Thinking skills essential for engineering students. We firmly believe that practice-oriented learning is paramount in preparing students for their future careers. To facilitate this, we utilize an AI-driven Edu-Tech Platform, which automatically captures learning outcomes. This data allows teachers to analyze student progress and provide guidance in key areas, ensuring that our curriculum remains dynamic and industry-relevant.

Check JCT College of Engineering and Technology Placement

What do you think should be the Institution’s top priority over the next ten years?

Over the next decade, our institution's primary focus should be on empowering students with professional and innovative knowledge, ensuring they graduate as competent engineers. It's imperative to cultivate critical and creative thinking skills among students to meet the evolving demands of the industry. By engaging students in projects that address real-time industry challenges, we can equip them with practical experience and industry readiness. Additionally, fostering a sense of responsibility towards societal and national development is crucial, instilling in them the values of citizenship and service. This holistic approach will prepare our students to become valuable contributors to both the workforce and society at large.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current aspiring students?

It's crucial for aspiring students to embrace self-reliance and motivation. Avoid following the crowd blindly, as what works for others may not be the best path for you. Take the time to carefully select the right institution and degree program that aligns with your interests and goals. Prioritize your personal growth and development above all else. Remember, your journey is unique, and by being self-reliant, you'll be better equipped to navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

What are some of the biggest challenges in the higher education sector?

One of the significant challenges in higher education is the inadequacy in imparting skill-based domain knowledge effectively. There's a lack of awareness among students regarding the dynamics of the corporate world. Additionally, declining interest in engineering education poses a challenge. To address these issues, there's a pressing need to focus on providing quality education that produces highly employable graduates. Improving the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in India necessitates a concerted effort towards enhancing educational quality and aligning curriculum with industry demands.