Dr. Nagaraj Balakrishnan is a highly experienced professional with 18 years of combined teaching and industry experience. He is dedicated to excelling in education and nurturing a talented and capable future generation. His expertise lies in various areas such as patent development, product development, research publications, mathematical modeling, process control, simulation and visualization, optimization methodology, and research projects.

Dr. Balakrishnan possesses key skills in design thinking, industrial automation, paper publication, student profiling and mentoring, startup mentoring, the NBA/NAAC accreditation process, research and innovation grant proposals, skill development, student motivation and mentoring, and entrepreneurship development.

He has been actively involved in accreditation processes like NAAC and NBA and has a clear understanding of outcome-based education, UGC processes, autonomous committees, and Anna University affiliation. He has received research, innovation, and entrepreneurship grants from prestigious organizations such as ISRO, IEEE, AICTE, PMKVY, EDI, MOHFW, and Startup India.

Dr. Balakrishnan has held positions such as Principal at Rathinam Technical Campus, Coimbatore, Vice President at ATAL Incubation Centre Raise, supported by Atal Innovation Mission, NITI Aayog, and the Government of India, and Director of Branding at Rathinam Group of Institutions, Coimbatore. He has also served as Dean of Student Affairs and Head of the Karpagam Innovation and Skill Development Center at Karpagam College of Engineering.

Rathinam technical Campus

What are some plans that you are currently (or will be) designing for students?

To achieve success in one's academic and professional journey, it's imperative to go beyond mere studies. That's why we've developed a comprehensive approach known as "Students 360 Degree" to foster a well-rounded education and personal development. Here's a breakdown of its components:

Holistic Campus Experience: We believe in creating a nurturing and joyful campus environment, where both students and faculty can thrive, resulting in improved outcomes.

Entrepreneurship Cultivation: Our "Young Entrepreneur Society" aims to inspire and mentor students, nurturing their entrepreneurial spirit.

Flexible Course Choices: We offer the flexibility for students to drop courses with a maximum of 6 credits, ensuring they can tailor their education to their needs.

Non-Academic Engagement: Active participation in co-curricular and extracurricular activities is encouraged to foster holistic development.

Tailored Learning Groups: Our "Ability Grouping" strategy allows students to learn from their peers with similar capabilities, promoting collaborative learning.

Peer Interaction: Through gamification and peer learning within groups, students engage with their peers, enhancing their learning experience and fostering innovation and design thinking.

Specialized Centers of Excellence (COE): Our COE model focuses on core learning and specialized areas to prepare students for success.

Personality Development: We prioritize the development of cultured behavior among students within our campus community.

Early Soft Skills Training: Soft skills training begins from the very first semester to ensure students are well-prepared for the professional world.

Cheerful Dress Code: We maintain a cheerful and professional dress code to promote a positive and respectful atmosphere.

Comprehensive Support: Our institution offers dedicated support for training, placements, research opportunities, and practical learning to help students grasp theoretical concepts through hands-on experience.

This holistic approach, "Students 360 Degree," aims to equip our students not only with academic knowledge but also with the skills, mindset, and experiences necessary for a successful and fulfilling career journey.

How does your college prepare students for placements?

The pursuit of excellence lies at the heart of our academic philosophy. To achieve this, we prioritize the placement of our students by offering a comprehensive first semester curriculum that includes aptitude and soft skill training. We believe that these skills are crucial to personal and professional success, and we strive to impart them to our students at the earliest possible time.

In order to foster creativity, strategic thinking, and critical analysis, we have integrated design thinking and innovation into every semester’s courseware. Our students are exposed to a range of cutting-edge concepts and practices, which helps them develop the skills necessary to thrive in today's fast-paced, dynamic world.

Starting in the third semester,we follow a unique center of excellence training model that provides our students with core and code training. We believe that a peer learning environment is essential for the holistic development of our students. Our curriculum is designed to meet the specific needs of companies and co-ops, so our students are fully equipped to hit the ground running once they enter the workforce.

Check Rathinam Technical Campus Courses & Fees

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

Programs and extracurricular activities can be extremely important for developing students' talents and exposing them to challenges in the real world. Internship initiatives, competitions and hackathons, third-party speaker series, clubs for entrepreneurship (the Young Entrepreneur Society), programs for leadership development, research initiatives, workshops for professional development, industry visits and tours, and non-academic student activities, which include club activities, take place regularly.

These extracurricular activities and programs help students develop their abilities while also fostering a well-rounded education that equips them with the self-assurance and adaptability they need to take on difficulties in the real world.

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

It takes a well-structured approach to develop a curriculum that is still relevant and has an impact on students. Our process at Rathinam Technical Campus includes a number of crucial elements. Breakout room concept, Star of the Month, cheerful learning, creative and design thinking,peer learning, and assignment presentation We start by doing a detailed needs analysis, paying attention to industry developments, and consulting with alumni and business partners to pinpoint skill gaps. We provide a thorough curriculum structure that includes core topics, electives, real-world experiences, and critical soft skills after having precisely specified the learning outcomes. Our curriculum is in line with practical needs thanks to collaboration with industry experts.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relationship and environment in your college?

Nurturing successful learning and holistic development necessitates the creation of a positive and supportive college atmosphere. Colleges can cultivate a culture that champions growth, inclusivity, and collaboration through the implementation of various strategies. These approaches encompass:

Embracing Diversity and Inclusion: Promoting a culture that values diversity and fosters inclusivity among both students and faculty

Providing Mentorship and Support Services: Offering mentoring programs and support services to guide students on their academic and personal journeys

Facilitating Collaborative Learning Experiences: Encouraging experiences that promote collaborative learning and enhance teamwork and knowledge sharing

Involving Students in Extracurricular Activities: Providing opportunities for students to engage in extracurricular activities that enrich their experiences beyond the classroom

Ensuring Accessible Faculty-Student Interactions: Promoting an environment where faculty members are approachable and readily available to assist students with their academic needs

Implementing counseling sessions: introducing counseling sessions that address students' physical and mental health concerns

Encouraging Community Engagement: Promoting active participation in community outreach and engagement initiatives

SDG Hub: We have introduced the "SDG Hub" (Sustainable Development Goals Hub) club, providing students with opportunities to engage in activities that contribute to the betterment of society.

We have established a dynamic atmosphere that fosters both academic and professional achievements. This is achieved through a continuous feedback process, the recognition of accomplishments, and a strong focus on career development. These collective endeavors result in the creation of a joyful campus environment that leads to improved outcomes for all stakeholders.

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

Our unwavering commitment to excellence in education drives us to continuously enhance the skills and knowledge of our trainers and faculty members, aligning them with the ever-evolving expectations of the industry. To achieve this, we have developed a multifaceted approach that involves collaborative efforts with industry professionals, placing practical learning at the forefront of our educational endeavors.

Our core philosophy revolves around empowering our faculty members to impart cutting-edge knowledge and skills to our students, ensuring their preparedness for successful careers that meet or exceed industry standards. Here's how we put our commitment into practice:

Collaborative Training Programs: We regularly conduct training programs in partnership with industry experts. These programs are designed to equip our faculty with the latest industry insights, trends, and best practices, ensuring they stay ahead in their respective fields.

Practical Learning Emphasis: We strongly believe in the value of practical learning. Faculty members are actively encouraged to engage in consulting projects and research relevant to their areas of specialization. This hands-on approach not only enhances their expertise but also enriches their ability to deliver practical knowledge to students.

Professional Development Workshops: Our department or college organizes frequent professional development workshops. These workshops cover a wide range of topics, from pedagogical advancements to industry-specific updates. They serve as a platform for faculty to enhance their teaching methodologies and stay updated on the latest industry standards.

Industry Collaboration: We foster collaborations with industry leaders and professionals. These partnerships enable our faculty to gain exposure to real-world industry challenges, enriching their understanding and enabling them to better prepare our students for the workforce.

Conference Participation: Faculty members are encouraged to participate in conferences and seminars relevant to their fields. This not only keeps them informed about emerging trends but also provides opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange.

Cultivating a Learning Culture: At our college, we cultivate a culture of continuous learning. We believe that when our faculty members are committed to their own ongoing education, they can better inspire and educate our students.

Through these strategic initiatives, we ensure that our faculty members possess the skills, knowledge, and mindset required to effectively educate our students and prepare them for successful careers in accordance with industry standards. We take pride in our faculty's dedication to staying current in their respective fields, ultimately enriching the educational experience we offer our students.

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

My leadership philosophy centers on the core principles of self-love, self-esteem, and self-confidence as foundational attributes. I believe that effective leadership starts from within, and cultivating these qualities is essential. Self-love encourages empathy and understanding, while self-esteem fosters confidence and resilience. Self-confidence enables calculated risk-taking and the ability to inspire others. A clear vision and purpose drive my leadership, motivating individuals to collaborate toward common goals. Inclusivity, adaptability, and open communication are vital components, as is a commitment to lifelong learning. I embrace servant leadership, prioritizing the growth and success of my team. Collaboration and teamwork underpin my approach, promoting innovation and collective problem-solving. In summary, my leadership style integrates personal growth, empathy, vision, and inclusivity to empower teams and create a positive impact.