Professor Devang Khakhar Director, IIT Bombay, Powai, talks to Shraddha Kamdar about the student experiences at the institute
It is the place to be. Ask any engineering student which institute in the country would he or she want to study at, and the answer will be Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IITB). You go on to discussion forums on the internet and you find many students discussing why IITB is considered the Mecca of engineering, even among the IITs. Students have limitless stories to share about their experiences there, and every one (even non-science stream students) hear and read these stories with a longing of studying at least once in their lives at IITB. Even with all the experiences and the stories, the factor that stands out at every instance is that the academic pursuits and achievements here are unlike any place else. That’s what makes IITB, IITB. And at the helm of all this is its dynamic director, Professor Devang Khakhar, who has been shouldering the responsibility since 2009, even though he has been with the institute in different capacities for just under three decades, since 1987. His bio reads so impressive, that if I mention all the awards he has won, there perhaps might not be much space left to share his thoughts. And yet, what strikes me each time I interact with this experienced educationist, is that it takes just one email or text message to connect with him. I m rest assured he will respond, and quite promptly at that! It is something I hope his students learn from him, apart from everything else he brings to the class in terms of knowledge. A few excerpts:
What is it that the students look forward to once they come to IITB? What is it that distinguishes the IITB experience from all others?
I feel that in some way, the hard work for them begins at that point. It is a competitive environment, but also provides an opportunity for to take up extra projects apart from curricular work. Students look forward to participating in extracurricular cultural activities as well, and become members of the various student clubs at the institute. They can play a sport, and even learn one.
Apart from that, students can opt for technology-oriented short-term projects. The labs are open all day long, and some even through the night so students can make the most of their time there. Students also have a great platform to connect with the right person for the kind of research they are interested in.
How often is the curriculum updated at IITB? In other streams and universities, we often have students and teachers complaining of an outdated syllabus. And how to teachers engage the students in class?
The curriculum at IITB and it is designed in a way to challenge the students, since we attract the brightest of achievers. The syllabus is upgraded every semester. As far as engagement of the students goes, one should keep in mind that each person has his own way of doing things. The style of teaching depends on the individual as well as the subject. Out teachers are very dynamic and they ensure class participation with various methodologies, and generate the interest among students to go even beyond what is expected of them in class.
We know that students until class 12 are driven by marks since admissions are dependent on marks. But do they ever stop thinking about marks after they come to IITB.
You see, even after they come to IITB, the environment is very competitive, since we have the achievers all working with each other here. And they are used to equating a major part of success with marks. So that is unlikely to stop. But if you look at marks in a positive manner, they can be a major driving force for students to work hard. Marks, if allotted and distributed well, can be an indicator of how well students have done. After all, even the job openings are linked with marks, and students learn how to use the tool well, and work their way to their goals.
Plus, the grades are allotted only for registered courses, so students have ample opportunity to work for their achievements and inventions even when they are not linked with marks.
If by any chance a student does not get the placement he aimed for, is there a way to counsel him to start small and climb up the ladder?
Yes there is. In any case, a student should look at the growth potential and the learning opportunity in the initial phase of his career. He should look at how much he will learn on the job, and how he will develop the skills that will take him ahead. We have some of the best jobs being offered to our students, but we also make sure we match their interests and potential to these jobs. Often, we have the alumni coming in with feedback on the prevalent market situation and that helps the current students to arrive at their decisions.
Should the students be part of the policy decision regarding what they should be taught within the curriculum?
We already observe that. We have a few student representatives on the senate, and they contribute to decisions regarding the curriculum. Plus, none of the courses are so straight jacket. Students often have the flexibility to align their own curriculum. Of course, the fundamental courses are compulsory, and they have to study those required subjects. Plus, students also provide valuable feedback on their courses and faculty which then goes back to the faculty member, so that appropriate changes can be made.
How important are soft skills from the perspective of employability?
The key is to know the subject well. Other skills can be picked up during projects and on the job, like team work and leadership. Negotiation skills can also be picked up while working with others, and these come with actual practical experiences. If students have a wide experience across the spectrum of the four years they spend here, it should be enough for them to pick up these skills.
