Mala Acharya is the HoD of the Civil Department at Nilachal Polytechnic. She has more than 15 years of teaching, inspiring and directing students towards academic greatness. Mrs. Archarya holds degrees in B.A. and B.Ed. from the Regional Institute of Education and an M.Phil. degree as well. 

Nilachal polytechnic

Being a HOD of the Civil Department, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

It's the sole duty of the faculties of respective departments to follow the teaching-learning methodology. This is a method where the technical concepts and fundamentals of each subject are taught in a manner to be easily understood by the students. As the HoD, I am responsible for providing guidance and support to students. This includes assisting them in selecting appropriate courses, providing advice on career paths, and helping them address any academic or personal challenges they may face.

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

At our college, practical classes, workshop activities and engineering drawing classes are given utmost importance along with the regular course curriculum. This is essential for students to gain practical knowledge of handling machinery n instruments in the respective branch. There are also industrial visits for students to have first-hand knowledge of industry-related activities. The college also provides Internship training during summer vacation. We emphasize on a project-based learning method where students work on real-world projects that simulate industry challenges. This hands-on approach allows students to apply their theoretical knowledge to solve practical problems, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

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

We follow the prescribed curriculum of the council, and when necessary changes are brought in the curriculum, the council invites faculties of all Government and private institutions. Their feedback is taken for the requisite changes to be implemented. The present curriculum has been updated in the years 2018 and 2019. Strategizing the curriculum and determining the frequency of updates involves careful planning and consideration of various factors. 

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

Every year we have sports, cultural and literary competitions on the campus to showcase the hidden talents of the students. We also have the annual inter-polytechnic meet. It is organized for all diploma institutions for better exchange of ideas and to develop a competitive spirit among the students. We have students engaging in community service and volunteering activities. They learn to develop empathy, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. It also provides exposure to real-world challenges and allows them to make a positive impact in their communities.

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

We have a teaching-learning evaluation process to include the latest updates thereby ensuring students continue to receive a quality education. The foundational education in schools is a challenge for us as students are not conscious about career choices and the different types of professional courses. So, from the first semester, we have career counselling sessions to educate, inspire and motivate our students to pursue settled careers with their diploma degrees.

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

relevant, and time- bound (SMART) goals. These goals must be aligned with the overall objectives of the college. These goals could focus on academic excellence, research and innovation, student support, and professional development. Our vision and mission for the institute and our programs, we aim for a dynamic, quality education. We want to holistically develop our students to possess all the right technical and soft skills to work in any field. As the HOD of the Civil department, I need to establish specific, measurable, achievable, 

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

As Engineers, students have to accept the risks and challenges in their professional life. You must have the confidence to overcome all challenges to be successful engineers. Embrace a growth mindset and commit to lifelong learning. The job market is constantly evolving, and new skills and knowledge are in demand. Stay curious, pursue opportunities for learning and skill development, and be adaptable to changes in your industry.