Interview by Bhawna Rawat
Professor Dr. Rajesh Siddavatam is currently working at Saveetha Amaravati University as the Vice Chancellor. He holds B.Tech degree from Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupathi, AP, India and other degrees including M.E, M.Tech, and Ph.D. from Birla Institute of Technology & Science, Pilani, Rajasthan, India.
Dr. Siddavatam has earlier worked with BITS-Pilani for 10 years, with Jaypee University of IT, Solan for 5 years, as DEAN at KIIT University, Bhubaneshwar for 2 years and as the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Adamas University, Kolkata for 2 years.
Dr. Siddavatam is currently serving as Reviewer for IEEE Transactions on Image Processing, Elsevier International Journal of Visual Communication and Image Representation, Elsevier International Journal of Applied Mathematics and Computation, and Program Committee Member of innumerable IEEE & Springer International Journals and Conferences worldwide.
Hurdles faced by Dr. Rajesh Siddavatam as the Vice Chancellor of Saveetha University Amaravati
I take every hurdle as a challenge, as an opportunity to prove myself to the world. The toughest challenge is taking permission from the Government of Andhra Pradesh to procure land of around 200 acres to build a world-class medical college & 500 bedded Hospital of International Standards is being established with a budget of Rs. 2100 crores.
Dr. Siddavatam on enhancing student-industry interaction at Saveetha University Amaravati
We are into medical as of now, university-industry linkages are very important for internships & placements. It depends on the legacy you have. Saveetha is already a brand. It has been 40 years old, so it is comparatively easier. National Institute Ranking Framework NIRF Ranking in India for Saveetha University (SIMATS) is 46th in the country under University category.
Time Management for the Vice Chancellor
My secretary Mr. Sriram takes care of it: 8.30 am– 4.30 pm (university hours), morning schedule goes completely into meetings, every Saturday- including faculty meetings. Every day, I meet students between 4-4.30pm, every Saturday one complete school of students assemble in the auditorium between 4- 4.30pm.
Differences between the Indian education system and the education system in other countries
All universities seek QSFR – Quality Student-Faculty Research, implementation of the same is done in abroad thoroughly. According to me, Universities are meant for research & colleges are meant for teaching. Engineering is more into applied technology. In my view, noble prizes should be given to technology rather than just for Sciences. Foreign universities monitor & top QSFR. We, In India, have to develop a more transparent way & update ourselves with the world.
A top class university should be established for niche researches like cancer research. For example, ÉCOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FÉDÉRALE DE LAUSANNE EPFL – Switzerland. https://www.epfl.ch/index.en.html They undertake great research in image processing, Biomedical Engineering. They only focus on Ph.D. research. We should also start developing such universities which focus on particular research & provide top class Ph.Ds with outstanding research.
The qualities which have helped in creating a brand name for Saveetha University Amaravati
1. World class collaborations
2. Positive intent
3. QSFR - Quality Student-Faculty Research
Message for the students pursuing higher studies under the influence of their peers and society
The mindset of the students while going to a class is more important, for that, faculty should have an interesting approach to teaching, so, the mindset of faculty is equally important. The student should come with a mind to learn more. They shouldn’t get distracted by social media.
*Focus on your vision & mission & your goals.
*Have a proper mindset, make 3-4 friends who have the same mindset.
Parents should monitor their child, and give freedom to pursue what they want.
Parent & student should have two choices, give 100% for your first choice though. Be spiritual. Students with morals, succeed in life. Interest is also important.
The top qualities that a Physiotherapy aspirant must possess
1.Interest to learn & Gain practical exposure
2.Compassion
3.Patience
4.Skillset
Dr. Siddavatam’s views on the growth of Medical colleges in India
Indian medical association (IMA) has to do a better job. NEET has been a very good initiative. The private universities should be brought into a forum & have to be presented to IMA. IMA is completely responsible for the growth of medical colleges & only meritorious students should be given medical seats.
Goals and plans for the future growth and expansion of the Saveetha University Amaravati
Saveetha Amaravati University is being established with a budget of Rs. 2100 crores project coming up, a top-class university. We are starting off with MBBS followed by dental & then PG. Paramedical Courses are going on, around 200 students are currently studying, another 500 students are joining in the next sem. Establishing medical hospital as part of Corporate Social Responsibility, the hospital will be open for Out Patient & we are planning on free medical help.
Message for the students wishing to join Saveetha University Amaravati, in the near future
If you are looking for quality education with practical exposure then Saveetha it is!
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