Dr. Gudipati Murali, the Head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence at KKR and KSR Institute of Technology and Science, is a distinguished academician and able administrator with more than 22 years of experience. He has grown from the ranks right here at the institute, starting his teaching career as an Assistant Professor from 2001. He obtained his graduate degree in 2001 from TJPS College and his PhD from Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur. In his impressive teaching and administrative career, he has consistently promoted innovative teaching practices and imaginative thinking. He has endeared himself to his students and colleagues alike through his affable nature and empathetic leadership style. Moreover, he has two patents to his name, 22 international journal publications, and four scholars awarded.

KKR

Being a head of department of college, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

As the head of the department, my responsibilities are multi-faceted. I look over curriculum development, faculty management, ensuring academic quality, fostering a positive learning environment, and supporting student success. Additionally, I work at managing resources and serving as a link between students and the administration, which are some of the most important responsibilities.

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

Through organising student open forums, associations, clubs and student feedback sessions, we foster a supportive environment among students and faculty members. By creating opportunities for collaboration, respecting their expertise, and involving faculty in decision-making can strengthen relationships. Having open channels of communication will also ensure there are positive relationships among all.

How do you try to bring in practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented?

To integrate a practical approach and industry relevance into subjects, we have collaborated with industry professionals for guest lectures, workshops, and internships. We have a curriculum based on industry trends, real-world case studies, research projects with industry applications, and hands-on experiences on real-world issues, which ensures students are equipped with skills sought after in the job market

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills? 

We have hands-on projects to encourage students to attempt practical projects that simulate real-world scenarios to develop problem-solving skills. Through internships and co-ops, we try to facilitate opportunities for real work experience in the industry. We have partnered with companies for workshops, seminars, or joint projects to expose students to industry practices. We try to connect students with mentors—faculty or industry professionals—to guide and support them. We also encourage participation in research projects to develop critical thinking and analytical skills. The college conducts workshops on technical skills, soft skills, and professional development to enhance overall competency and provide resources for resume building, interview preparation, and job search strategies to help students transition into the workforce smoothly.

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

We have a board of studies whose responsibility it is for curriculum preparation and updating. The members of the board of studies committee are experts from academia, industry, and alumina. Through their feedback and input, we include the latest trending topics and skills in our syllabus. Curriculum preparation and updating involves a continual process of assessment, feedback collection, and alignment with industry trends.

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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?

For placements, the department often organises career fairs, resume workshops, and mock interviews to equip students with essential job-seeking skills. We have collaborations in place with industry partners to help with internships and job placement opportunities. For higher education, the departments guide students in selecting suitable programs, preparing for entrance exams, and offering support with application procedures.

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world? 

We pair our students with mentors for guidance and advice on navigating competitive environments. We also provide workshops and resources to develop not only academic skills but also soft skills crucial for success, such as communication, critical thinking, and adaptability. Additionally, we offer guidance on career paths, industry trends, and strategies to stand out in the job market.

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

Our college offers clubs related to the field of study where students can engage in hands-on projects, workshops, or discussions. Occasionally, we host events that challenge students to solve real-world problems within their field, fostering innovation and creativity. We also invite professionals to share insights, trends, and experiences, providing students with industry exposure and networking opportunities. We facilitate internships with industry partners to give students practical experience and exposure to professional environments. We encourage involvement in community-based projects that allow students to apply their skills to real-world issues and make a positive impact.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department? 

We face numerous challenges that need different approaches to tackle them. We ensure adequate resources (faculty, technology, and funding) are allocated to meet evolving educational needs. We believe in keeping the curriculum updated and relevant to industry demands and technological advancements. The college provides ongoing training and support to faculty to enhance teaching methodologies and subject knowledge. At the same time, we encourage active student participation and maintain a conducive learning environment.

When you came to the college, what was your vision and how are you trying to achieve the same? 

Our institute’s vision is to produce eminent and ethical engineers and managers for society by imparting quality professional education with an emphasis on human values and holistic excellence. Our institute’s mission is to incorporate benchmarked teaching and learning pedagogies into the curriculum. We also want to ensure the all-round development of students through a judicious blend of curricular, co-curricular and extracurricular activities. At the departmental level, we want to be a renowned department for education in artificial intelligence, empowering students to become professional engineers with human values and holistic excellence. To achieve this, we will impart rigorous training to acquire knowledge through state-of-the-art concepts and technologies in Artificial Intelligence, and train students to be technically competent through innovation and leadership. We will also inculcate values of professional ethics, social concerns, life-long learning and environmental protection.

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How does the curriculum of your department/college ensures the best practice of the industry?

We have involved industry professionals in advisory boards or committees to provide insights and ensure curriculum relevance. We conduct periodic reviews by faculty and industry experts to update courses, integrating the latest industry trends, tools, and practices. Establishing partnerships with companies for internships, guest lectures, or joint projects, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge to real-world scenarios, is important for us towards this aim. We have also designed a flexible curriculum framework that allows for timely updates, elective choices, and specialisations aligned with industry demands. We also take care to integrate practical, hands-on components like labs, case studies, or simulations to mirror industry challenges and practices.

How does the department/ college/University enhance the skills of the faculty and prepares them according to the industry standards? 

Our college departments encourage faculty development in various ways. Our students attend workshops, seminars, and training sessions on teaching methodologies, technology integration, and industry trends. We also encourage faculty to engage with industry professionals through collaborations, research partnerships, or consulting projects. The college provides resources and funding opportunities to facilitate faculty research aligned with industry needs. There is support for further education, certifications, or attendance at conferences to stay updated with industry advancements. Moreover, we also encourage collaboration among faculty members to share best practices, innovative teaching methods, and industry-related experiences.

What are the interventions and approaches you bring in apart from curriculum to train/teach the students? 

We have adopted numerous methods to enhance student learning. We have introduced hands-on experiences, internships, or projects that simulate real-world scenarios, aiding practical skill development. We leverage educational technology tools, online resources, or e-learning platforms to facilitate interactive learning experiences and invite industry experts or professionals to conduct sessions, sharing practical insights and experiences. Moreover, we offer workshops on soft skills, communication, problem-solving, and leadership to complement academic learning. The college encourages participation in research projects, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills. We also provide mentorship programs and counselling services to support students in both academic and personal development, besides encouraging collaboration between departments or fields of study to provide a holistic learning experience.

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

The department’s greatest strength lies in its faculty expertise. Our faculty members have experience not only in academia but also in industry. They are continuously training and working on their skills to upgrade themselves and deliver the best to the students. The college has taken care to provide the best resources and has built modern infrastructure. We have built a strong network of industry connections that help us with internships, expert talks, placements and more. Finally, our biggest strength would be our talented students, who add to our reputation.

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

My advice to students for a prosperous career is to embrace a lifelong learning mindset. The world is ever-evolving; staying updated with new skills, technologies, and industry trends is crucial. Be flexible and open to change. The ability to adapt to different situations and environments is invaluable in today's dynamic job market. Build and nurture professional relationships. Networking can open doors to opportunities and provide valuable insights and support. Pursue what you're passionate about and persevere through obstacles. A combination of passion and persistence often leads to success. Prioritise your well-being. Balancing work and personal life is essential for long-term success and happiness.