Industry and Society Expectations from Young Engineers

Prof. Jagdish H Godihal

The 15^th September is celebrated as Engineers’ day, as a floral tribute to the famous illustrious son of India Dr. Sir M. VISVESVARAYA who was both an Engineer and a Statesman. He was known for his impeccable manners, disciplined behaviour and meticulous work. His contributions to the national development in the field of Economics, Industry, Irrigation, Agriculture and Education etc. are unparalleled. Sir Visvesvaraya was an epitome of knowledge, dedicated his life to bring fruits of advanced science and technology to the doorsteps of the common man.  He was a firm believer   “there can be no salvation for the people of the country except judicious use of the technological innovations”. It is, therefore, very important today, on the occasion of engineers’ day to remember the deeds of Sir M Visvesvaraya and Practice them in daily routine to translate the vision of Sir Visvesvaraya to achieve the goal of an industrialised Indian nation based on transparent, ethically clean and responsive machinery. It is the need of the hour, we the engineering community to emulate Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya - Legendary Engineer.

 An Engineer using tools of science and technology as well as of a number of other fields converts the resources available in nature into actual goods and services needed by the society.  As engineers contribute in solving the increasingly complex problems facing our society, there is a growing need for the engineers graduating from undergraduate programs to understand deeply the context within which they are solving problems. There is a particular need for engineers who recognise the complexities of global and societal issues and respond to those complex issues with the solutions they develop.

We have to update the curriculum frequently and it should be in accordance with the prevailing practices of industry/organization. We have to incorporate the context in the learning outcomes expected to be achieved by engineering graduates, for example the technical and professional learning outcomes will be as follows:

 

1. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs within realistic constraints such as economic, environmental, social, political, ethical, health and safety, manufacturability, and sustainability.

2. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global, economic, environmental, and societal context.

Engineers must design solutions:

 

1. That addresses the needs of diverse peoples in diverse cultures in ways that are user-friendly.

 

2. That does not harm the natural environment in which we all live.

Before concluding, the most important point I would like to mention that a pressing goal of engineering education today is to find ways to draw more students at all levels into the practices of engineers. In order to do this, we need innovative assessments capable of telling us in more detail about how students approach and think about engineering concepts and problems.

Lastly I would like to conclude that Conventional methods such as standardised examinations or credit system are no longer adequate to assess fully the complex outcomes of engineering education. Instead, we need measures that examine the qualitative changes in students’ thinking process, problem solving approaches.

HAPPY ENGINEERS’ DAY

Teacher’s Role in the Progressive Development of the Nation

"In spite of flood, drought, drinking water scarcity, poverty and societal instability in few places, everywhere I could see the unabated enthusiasm of the young for learning.  Learning should bring out the spirit of creativity in the young minds. Creativity gives knowledge. Knowledge is indeed an asset for the nation." Quote Dr.A P J Abdul Kalam, former President of India.

This spirit of creativity in young minds will be imbibed only by the knowledgeable and effective teacher. Hence the active involvement of a teacher in general and technical teacher in particular is the need of the hour in transforming the status of the nation. Good teachers are essential for the effective functioning of education systems and for improving the quality of learning processes.

Learning is not an impersonal process but occurs largely through regular, direct interactions between learners and their teachers as well as by means of teachers facilitating learning among learners.

Good teachers guide learners in the process of understanding the enormous amount of accumulated knowledge available today, using it constructively, and communicating it effectively. These are serious responsibilities which can only be fulfilled by dedicated professionals who have received specialised training.

Teachers, too, must play a fundamental role in adapting the newer technologies to the learning process. Teachers are important agents in using technology to overcome the digital divide and its negative effect on development and to enhance their wards prospects for decent assignments in the future.

On the eve of birth anniversary of former president of India Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan which is celebrated as teacher’s day on 5^th September. On this occasion I would like to share few thoughts about Respected Teachers:

• Teacher’s, you are highly Thoughtful, Thinker always striving hard to inculcate the good values and virtues in each and every ward.
• You being Epitome of knowledge, enthusiastic, inspire and ignite young minds to realise their potential to understand and innovate the new technology.
• You are blessed with the Attitude to think and grow with the progress of each student.
• Your Courageous step towards discipline helps students to complete the assignments in time.
• The Humbleness and helpful attitude of yours deserves applaud from the student community.
• The Encouragement the students receive from you, time and again for the positives and corrective measures for the negatives helps them to become complete rounded personality.
• You being the Resourceful person,  sharing with the students make them tough, disciplined and capable of venturing in all walks of life.

TEACHER hats off to you, you are Thoughtful, Epitome of knowledge, Affable, Courageous, Humble, Energetic and Resourceful person. Shaping millions of young minds and contributing immensely in the development of nation