SVVR Educational Group of Institutions – Sagar Institute of Technology (SITECH) and Food and Agri Business School (FABS) organized the topical seminar on “The Way Forward in Engineering and Technology Education and – Role of Andhra Pradesh” on July 26, 2009 at Shilpa Kala vedika, Hi-Tech City, Hyderabad. Dr. B.V Mohan Reddy, CMD of Infotech was the Chief Guest. Addressing more than 350 students and their parents, Dr. Mohan Reddy suggested that Engineering Colleges should cultivate close linkages with industry. He stressed that engineering colleges besides providing quality education, should inculcate and encourage research and innovation among faculty and students. He suggested that Labs and Workshops should be called as Research Centers to reflect R&D orientation.

Welcoming the guests, Dr. WR Reddy, Secretary of SVVR Educational Society explained about the vision and mission of the Society and the importance that he attaching for industry linkages, developing employability skills and providing quality education. He felt that training of engineering graduates for 3 to 6 months after their recruitment is wasteful and should be avoided. This is possible by providing industry oriented education – technical, interpersonal and communication skills - in the final year of engineering.

Prof. P Narsimha Reddy, Director of Srindhi Institute of Science & Technology pointed out that more than 600 engineering colleges were established by private sector. It would have required more than Rs. 40,000 crores for the Government establish these colleges. He then elaborated on the roles and responsibilities of the teachers, parents and colleges in shaping the personality of engineering students while they are at the college. He felt that parents closely monitor and help their wards upto intermediate – often coaching them in their weak subjects. But once they get admission in a professional college, they hardly find out what is happening to their students. Professors rarely play the role of mentors and guides as teachers do at the school level. The colleges should provided interdisciplinary education like mechatronics (combination of mechanical and electronics engineering) He pointed out these engineering colleges are totally deserted after the classes are over at 4.30 in the afternoon. Advising the students, he pointed out that it is their attitude which makes them excellent or mediocre engineers. He advised them to give their best in whatever branch they choose. It will ensure not only a good career but a successful one at that.

Speaking on balanced personality and development, Prof. PG Sastry stressed the need for holistic education including spiritual, moral, physical, sports & games and cultural activities.reiterated the holistic education.

Mr. Ravishankar, Head of the HCL Infosystem’s AP Operations elaborated on emerging areas of opportunities for engineering graduates like network management, data mining, KPOs, IT in Agriculture, Security Systems, and so on besides the traditional IT and ITES sectors. Pointing out that several “earn while you learn” opportunities exist in various companies, he had offered such opportunities in HCL Infosytems to the engineering students.

Prof. Raghunath, Coordinator, AP Council of Higher Education explained in detail the tips for selecting right stream and right engineering college. He had elaborated on the steps to be followed and common mistakes to be avoided during registration and web counseling process.

Prof. K Prathap Reddy, Director, FABS proposed vote of thanks.