Dr. Balram Timande is an Associate Professor and Head Department of Computer Science and Engineering at Guru Nanak Institute of Engineering and Technology, Nagpur. He did his B.E., M. Tech., and Ph.D. in Electronics Engineering. The Education Minister, Government of Chhattisgarh, has honored him with a gold medal for securing the highest marks in M.Tech. He has more than nine years of field/industrial experience and eighteen years in the teaching and research field. His twenty-one research papers, mainly in system design, wireless communications, and bio-medical instrumentation, have been published in reputed international journals.

GNIET Nagpur

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

I held several positions in educational institutes, like Head of the Department, Member of the Board of Studies, Academic-in-charge, PG Coordinator, etc. My interactions with eminent professors, researchers, and academicians connect me to the education sector. Their guidance always helped me improve my overall skill and effectively manage my department, in particular, and my institute, in general.

Nowadays, most students are opting for software-related branches like CSE and IT. What opportunities should they look for in these branches?

These branches play a significant role in almost every field, such as banking, finance, health, security, languages, linguistics, and every domain you can think of! Graduation in computer sciences has a vast scope. Students develop competencies for landing into the IT industry, which helps them to land the role of System Engineer, System Analyst, Data Scientist, Data Analyst, Software Programmer, Software Tester, or Research Analyst by instilling the skills to build future technology.

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Being the Head of the Department of CSE at GNIET, Nagpur, what are your roles and responsibilities towards the students?

I provide professional leadership and management for the department to secure a high quality of teaching, effective use of resources, and the highest standards of learning and achievement for all students. I formulate institute policy through departmental meetings and evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning the subject’s curriculum. I ensure that the curriculum and subject matter are recent with the ongoing advancements.

I set academic and developmental targets for staff and students and monitor progress. I ensure curriculum coverage, continuity, and progression in the subject for all students of all abilities. I regularly visit the lessons of faculties, both in my department and others, and encourage cross-curricular links with other departments. 

How do you try to bring a practical approach to the subject and make it more industry-oriented?

We promote a practical approach to learning by emphasizing delivering practical knowledge to the students rather than only theory-based knowledge. Students should be given demonstrations by taking real-life examples, domestic or industrial applications. We organize more activities, experimentations, and industrial exposures through industrial visits and industry-sponsored projects.

What extracurricular activities/programs do you organize to enhance students’ skills and expose them to real-world challenges?

We conduct project competitions, poster-making competitions, technical quizzes, Quick Coding, etc., to enhance student’s skills and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents. To develop team spirit among them, we organize forum activities, sports, and events like Dahi-handi, Shiv-Jayanti celebrations, and Navratri Garba. We also create a spirit of brotherhood and respect for our culture, which is essential for the new generation.

What are the challenges you faced/or are facing to uplift the quality of education in your department?

The major challenge is to attract students to classrooms after the pandemic. A teacher has to remain alert about recent technologies and maintain dignity and professionalism in providing updated information and facts to students, which are primary challenges. Faculties retention in the department is one of the most critical issues now a day, especially in the CSE department.

How do you promote research and innovation in your department?

I promote research and innovation by motivating faculty to submit proposals to research funding agencies such as AICTE, DST, DRDO, etc. I also advise them to increase publications in good international journals. 

How does the department enhance the skills of faculty and prepare them according to industry standards?

We maintain quality education per industry standards by organizing workshops and training from industry persons. We conduct industrial visits for faculties and motivate them to guide the students in building industry-based projects.

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What interventions and approaches do you bring apart from the curriculum to train/teach the students?

We have included value-added courses and soft skill and personality development programs. We also conduct extra-curricular, sports, cultural, and forum activities for the students.

What valuable advice would you like to the students for them to have a prosperous career ahead?

I suggest the students always be disciplined. Do smart work rather than hard work. Give 100% and be sincere about your duties. Try to learn through every problem they face while working. Lastly, to become a good human being.