Dr. Sethurama Subbaiah has served the industry for about a decade and switched over to academia and has been serving for more than three decades and currently working for the prestigious Apollo group of educational institutions as the Controller of Examinations. Dr. Subbaiah has so far guided and supervised 10 Ph.D. scholars and 15 MPhil scholars successfully to obtain their respective research degrees. He has served as a Board of Studies Member in Social Sciences in Tamilnadu State Council for Higher Education (TANSCHE). Dr.Subbaih has been awarded a doctorate from the University of Madras for his contribution to the domain of social work. He is currently leading the School of Social Sciences at Apollo University as a HOD and also a Controller of examinations.

Apollo University, Andhra Pradesh

You have started your career in the industry. What motivated you to pursue your career in academia eventually?

After serving nearly a decade in the textile and paper industry I didn’t have job satisfaction because the job seemed to be sedentary and had no scope for growth as they were medium-sized units. My passion was teaching only and that’s why I did my M.Phil. program to pursue a doctorate.

How do you balance the needs of faculty, students, and administration as a head of Social Sciences and Sciences?

It’s just a simple technique. I delegate responsibilities to my subordinates and maintain a conducive work environment in the school; the students have the liberty to follow the open-door policy to redress their grievances and we as a team respect and honor the policy of the administration both in letter and spirit for the betterment of the school and the university as well.

As a head of Social Sciences and Sciences, what is the USP or what are the differentiating factors that make Apollo University stand out from other colleges?

We have the industry tie-up and 100% placement assistant is done. As my students of yesteryears have spread their wings across the globe, it is easy for my school to get internships, on-site field practicum exposer, and to arrange guest lectures and placements in companies/ institutions of repute.

Can you throw some light upon the future scope and opportunities Social Sciences domain, for the students?

As we now offer an MSW program under the CBCS pattern students have the chance to opt for their choices of subjects that add value in terms of employment. Further, the MSW program is offered with a functional PG Diploma program, an in-built component that will give a cutting edge over other students from other institutions. Moreover, we strictly adhere to the model curriculum prescribed by UGC and follow the OBE curriculum. Summer internships, Block placement, group projects, concurrent field practicum in all semesters, rural/tribal camps, and study tours are mandatory components that make the students industry-ready professionals.

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How do you stay current with the latest trends and developments in the field of social sciences and cultures of societies, and incorporate them into the curriculum and programs offered by Apollo University?

We offer four specializations to suit the need of the students which is going to decide their career. In each specialization, the curriculum is designed and modified every year in such a manner to include the latest trends in the respective field. Students are enrolled in the professional bodies and student chapters are established which act as a bridge between the practicing professionals and the students. Frequent meetings of these chapters bring the top brass in the field and the students get exposed to the current trends.

How well is Apollo Hyd focusing on maintaining industry relationships with companies to leverage them for live projects, training, and placements for social science students?

Industry -The institute interface is well maintained because of the brand value of the name Apollo. As the university is on the borders of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, we have the advantage of inviting experts from the adjoining states and sending students to academic pursuits.

How would you promote experiential learning and practical application of knowledge within the college?

From the first semester, students are introduced to a holistic approach to education that emphasizes community engagement and problem-solving. This approach is achieved through a variety of methods and activities, including observation visits, group projects, concurrent field work, and camps.

What kind of steps Apollo University is taking to bridge the gap between academia and the industry world?

Industry experts are on the board of studies and the curriculum and syllabus are updated as per their suggestions to get along with the changing needs of the industries. Often industry experts are invited for a special lecture, seminar, workshop, or symposium. Further, the students are in touch with the industries to gain hands-on training through their field practicum. Also, the students are involved in live projects based on the industry’s requirements.