MIT Dean: Empowering students is better discipline

Dr. A. Rajadurai is the Dean of Madras Institute of Technology (MIT), Chennai. The institute, which was established in 1949, was India’s first institute to offer degrees in Aeronautical, Automobile Electronics and Instrument Technology. Dr. Rajadurai not only has to live up to the standards of expectations but also constantly improve the education offered at the institute. In a conversation with PaGaLGuY, Dr. Rajadurai gives us a peek into the happenings at MIT.

Given the kind of legacy MIT has, what is your vision to run the institution?

MIT’s founders established the institution with a vision to provide not just mainstream courses but also offer some of the most unique degree programs to students. Some of these courses have been exclusive to MIT, like Aeronautical Engineering, a degree in Green Manufacturing, etc. Such courses have given our students confidence and a unique capability not seen elsewhere. It is with the same vision that I head the institute. For example, a degree in the field of ‘Mechatronics’ , was started for the first time at MIT. The vision is to ensure students receive education which will help them stand out and not just give them a degree.

Given the size of the student population, how do manage to keep a check on any untoward incidents that may happen?

I am not a believer in strict discipline. I believe in giving responsibilities and empowering the students to make wise choices. Rules help only if they are followed. I believe in having healthy discussions and solving issues that the students may have. Not just me, but other professors at MIT also believe the same. The idea is to solve issues amicably and not let them escalate. I think students too feel the same way, which is why no issue or problem deteriorates to the extent of turning in to an untoward incident.

How much importance do you give to College Rankings at MIT?

Organisations conducting ranking surveys have varied parameters. Hence it is difficult to understand why in some rankings, MIT features right on top and in a few our institute is not even counted amongst the top institutes. As a Dean, rankings are not my sole criteria to certify the quality of education at MIT. But, if they do point out flaws, we can definitely work on those areas

Dr. A. Rajadurai at a conference in Chennai.

How do the teachers maintain a balance, especially since the population of students is a mixed bag – with students from rural areas as well as NRI students?

English is the medium of instruction in the institute. However, what is important to understand is that for students from the rural areas, comprehension in English is not so much of an issue. They only have trouble when expressing in English. The teachers regularly attend seminars and faculty training programs. They then share their learning with other professors on the campus. But, it is not just the efforts on the part of professors. Initiatives have been take to help students by introducing the communication lab, where they can improve their language skills. So the efforts are two way and thus it helps bridge the gap.

A lot has been said even by some prominent engineers that the quality of engineering education has been dropping over the years. What could be the reason?

Education 25 years or so ago was solely based on building a strong foundation. Companies hired graduates and spent the first few months in training them. Now, companies demand that students become ready for the job immediately after graduation. Students too are not focused on one area of interest. They end up choosing a job which is not in their domain of education, but either is popular or pays them well. This creates an imbalance. It is therefore not the education, but the priorities that have changed.  For companies, importance is given to the fact that engineers must be ‘job-ready’ and not the knowledge that they have. For students, it is the availability of opportunity and the salary, instead of having strong foundations.