Dr. A. Dhanamurugan has been working as the Principal of Pollachi Institute of Engineering and Technology, Pollachi, Tamil Nadu. As part of his education, he has done BE in Mechanical Engineering from Government College of Engineering of Salem, M.Tech in Welding Engineering from National Institute of Technology of Tiruchirappalli and PhD from Faculty of Mechanical Engineering - Anna University Chennai. He has more than 20 years of work experience in the Industrial and Academic sector. And throughout his career he has rendered service in various positions as Engineer, Manager, Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Professor and Head of the Department. He has published numerous research papers in leading National and International Journals and Conferences.

As a recipient of Doctoral award, he has molded and trained students to exhibit their inborn talents in various Engineering Project Competitions. Being a vibrant personality he has organized various Workshops, Seminars, Conferences and Faculty Development Training Programmes. He is also a proud life member of ISTE.

Pollachi Institute of Engineering and Technology

What initiatives has your Pollachi Institute taken to ensure growth and development of students?

At PIET, we have established a comprehensive range of initiatives and developed suitable support systems to ensure the personal and professional development of students. First and foremost, career counseling and much needed guidance is provided to them as and when required so that they can explore their interests and make informed decisions about their career paths.

Apart from this, we have a robust Mentorship Program for students which connects them with experienced professionals and educates them about necessary skills and development of the outside world. We also organize events such as workshops, seminars and training sessions to develop students' communication and leadership skills and teach them the importance of teamwork. Lastly, we motivate them to regularly participate in extracurricular activities and competitions to further enhance their knowledge.

Being the Principal of Pollachi Institute of Engineering and Technology, what is your philosophy of leadership?

As a Principal of PIET, my philosophy of leadership revolves around a positive future vision and inclusion of all stakeholders in the decision-making processes. Because I strongly believe that a true leader is one who knows how to inspire and empower others with available resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and contribute to the collective goals of the institution.

Therefore, I strive to create a collaborative work environment where every voice is heard and valued, and in return a sense of ownership and shared responsibility could be promoted. Other than this, I maintain transparency and trust while communicating with my faculty members, students and staff so that along with theirs I can ensure our institution's growth on all levels.

At present, what key plans have you designed for enhancing the learning experience of students?

I have designed several key plans to enrich the overall learning experience of my institute's students. And to be more specific, firstly we have implemented a mentorship program to connect students with experienced professionals who can provide guidance and support to them. Secondly, we are expanding industry collaborations to offer more internship and co-op programs opportunities to students and expose them to real-world challenges. 

In addition to this, we are enhancing our entrepreneurship ecosystem by establishing incubation centers and organizing entrepreneurial events. Last but not the least, we are strengthening our alumni network to provide much needed mentoring and career opportunities to students. 

When you became principal of PIET, what was your vision for it and how are you trying to achieve the same?

When I joined PIET as its Principal, my vision was to transform it into a premier institution that fosters academic excellence, innovation, and holistic development of all associated stakeholders. And to achieve these goals, we have adopted a multi-faceted approach wherein firstly we are revamping our curriculum in accordance with industry trends, technologies and demands. Other than this we are investing heavily in upgrading the infrastructure and research facilities of our institution and also recruiting and retaining exceptional faculty members who are passionate about teaching and research. Additionally, we are focusing on industry collaborations, entrepreneurship initiatives, and student support services to ensure a well-rounded education for them.

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

I always had an inherent passion for educating young minds and a sincere desire to make a positive change in their lives. Apart from this, working in the education sector allows me to engage regularly with industry leaders, professional associations, and academic forums and help me to stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements of my field. 

And I also need to collaborate with our faculty, students, and their parents which ultimately fosters a sense of community and continuous learning. Lastly, attending conferences, workshops, and seminars enables me to network, exchange ideas, and share best practices with other educational leaders. Hence I would say that all these factors have together helped me to stay connected with the dynamic world of education.

What challenges are you facing at present in uplifting the education quality of your college?

We face different kinds of hurdles at different levels while upgrading the education quality of our institution and the first roadblock is the unavailability of good sources to update the subject's syllabus and overall curriculum as per industry demands. Other than this, recruiting and retaining qualified faculty members who possess the necessary expertise and Teaching skills is an ongoing challenge. 

Apart from this, allocating adequate resources and infrastructure for laboratories, research facilities, and technology can also be a demanding task. However, I and our faculties are proactively addressing these challenges by fostering collaborations with industry experts, encouraging faculty development programs, and seeking partnerships to improve access to quality educational resources.

Any valuable advice which you would like to give to the students for a prosperous career ahead?

I would like to advise my dear students to actively participate in technical conferences and symposiums, as these platforms provide abundant opportunities for networking, knowledge sharing, and staying updated with the latest industry trends. 

Apart from this, strive to add creativity to your work, embrace innovation, think outside the box, and seek solutions that push your boundaries. Because by combining your technical expertise with creative thinking, you can differentiate yourself and contribute meaningfully to your field. Last but not the least, don't forget that a prosperous career is not only built on knowledge but also on the ability to adapt, innovate, and continuously learn throughout your professional journey.

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

For the purpose of enforcing a practical and industry oriented approach towards subjects, we have prioritized the creation of an environment that fosters research and development on campus. In addition to this, I always motivate our faculty members to engage themselves in research activities, collaborate with industry experts, and participate in professional development programs. 

Events such as professional visits, apprenticeships and guest lectures are conducted on a regular basis to expose students to real-world scenarios. And I and our faculties have integrated practical components, such as lab experiments, projects, and case studies, into the curriculum.