Will not interfere with engg colleges, but they can’t violate rules: Surappa
Siddharth.Prabhakar@timesgroup.com 08.04.2018
For almost two years, Anna University that has more than 560 engineering colleges under it, was without a vice-chancellor. Finally, when governor Banwarilal Purohit appointed former IITRopar director M K Surappa to the post, several TN politicians took offence to an ‘outsider’ being brought in. The metallurgist with three decades of teaching experience, however, doesn’t seem to be affected by such noises as he tells TOI about his priorities as the VC of a university with problems as big as its prospects. Excerpts:
What are your plans for Anna university?
Anna University is a globally respected university. There is a changing scenario in higher education and learning pedagogies. Keeping this in mind we will see how to train young graduates to be more confident and productive. We will also ensure there is not a routine pattern in research. We have to ensure students are trained well with hands-on experience. They should be able to relate to what they study in class.
Anna University is in muddy waters. Your predecessor is under investigation for taking bribes and fixing recruitment of professors.
You are right. There is lot of baggage and pessimism. Thirteen years ago, I was given charge of the Karnataka State Council for Research which the government was about to close. In five years I made it number one. I have to embrace a new culture and start life afresh.
Quality of students is on the decline and even engineering as a discipline is on the wane. How do you plan to tackle this?
The governor was also concerned about this. Some colleges are good, some are bad. I’ve been in higher education for a long time and I am in touch with all top engineering professors. We will work out a plan. Most colleges are private so I don’t want to interfere. But as an affiliating university I’ll ensure that regulations are followed and not violated.
As an outsider how do you plan to tackle the language barrier?
I’ve worked in Punjab and Kerala for considerable time without knowing the local language. I’ll try to develop a working knowledge of Tamil.
Your appointment has kicked up a political storm in Tamil Nadu …
Politicians who create such controversies are not in sync with the aspirations of future generations. People have to be educated about such politicians. This is exactly why we as a country have not been able to perform to our best potential. We have not been able to put a system in place or tackle heavy corruption.
FRESH IDEAS: M K Surappa believes in embracing a new culture
Siddharth.Prabhakar@timesgroup.com 08.04.2018
For almost two years, Anna University that has more than 560 engineering colleges under it, was without a vice-chancellor. Finally, when governor Banwarilal Purohit appointed former IITRopar director M K Surappa to the post, several TN politicians took offence to an ‘outsider’ being brought in. The metallurgist with three decades of teaching experience, however, doesn’t seem to be affected by such noises as he tells TOI about his priorities as the VC of a university with problems as big as its prospects. Excerpts:
What are your plans for Anna university?
Anna University is a globally respected university. There is a changing scenario in higher education and learning pedagogies. Keeping this in mind we will see how to train young graduates to be more confident and productive. We will also ensure there is not a routine pattern in research. We have to ensure students are trained well with hands-on experience. They should be able to relate to what they study in class.
Anna University is in muddy waters. Your predecessor is under investigation for taking bribes and fixing recruitment of professors.
You are right. There is lot of baggage and pessimism. Thirteen years ago, I was given charge of the Karnataka State Council for Research which the government was about to close. In five years I made it number one. I have to embrace a new culture and start life afresh.
Quality of students is on the decline and even engineering as a discipline is on the wane. How do you plan to tackle this?
The governor was also concerned about this. Some colleges are good, some are bad. I’ve been in higher education for a long time and I am in touch with all top engineering professors. We will work out a plan. Most colleges are private so I don’t want to interfere. But as an affiliating university I’ll ensure that regulations are followed and not violated.
As an outsider how do you plan to tackle the language barrier?
I’ve worked in Punjab and Kerala for considerable time without knowing the local language. I’ll try to develop a working knowledge of Tamil.
Your appointment has kicked up a political storm in Tamil Nadu …
Politicians who create such controversies are not in sync with the aspirations of future generations. People have to be educated about such politicians. This is exactly why we as a country have not been able to perform to our best potential. We have not been able to put a system in place or tackle heavy corruption.
FRESH IDEAS: M K Surappa believes in embracing a new culture
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