Encouraging students to view every challenge as an opportunity to grow

Professor Shahid Thekiya is the Principal of Shri Shivaji Polytechnic Institute. In his vast journey in the education sector, he has served as a professor, head of the department, and now as a principal. He has been working to help students from underprivileged areas get the education they need.

What would you like people to know about your university they may not know?

“Making education available to the underprivileged”

Our education organisation is one of the biggest organizations in Marathwada. 80% of our students are financially weak. So at the time of admission, apart from the concession given by the government, our institution gives them the concession from 20% to 50%. The aim of the institution behind this is the skill development of the students from rural backgrounds and to give them an opportunity to get good jobs in good metro cities across the countries. We also provide classes from them which are not charged for and which are taken only to give them a good understanding of the subject in totality. We also have signed MOU with Jilha Udyog Kendra of Parbhani so that we can provide internships and jobs to students after their education. The training provided is for 3 days, 5 days and 15 days. 

What is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

“The purpose is the betterment of the students”

I think leadership is very important in any field. When you have good leadership it improves performance. I am not that type of leader who just becomes a leader and then gives order and expects people to comply with the same. My leadership revolves around getting involved in everything. Delegating work in the right way and following up for the work that has been assigned is a part of my responsibility. As a leader, I share the experience that I have with them. The end goal is to help our staff and students get benefitted from all the initiatives that we take. 

Check Shri Shivaji Polytechnic Institute Courses & Fees

How do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your school?

“Increasing the intake of students by providing them opportunities”

Polytechnic is a traditional course. We try to get on with new technologies. We also try to include topics like Artificial intelligence and Digital marketing into these. There are new emerging courses that are coming up. So our short term goal is to improve faculty and me for these tasks. We also need to improve our labs and our mechanical workshops according to those. Our major student base is from areas around Parbhani. We have had students from cities like Mumbai and Pune. The number of students coming from those areas has decreased. We plan to increase that. We have also registered an alumni association which helps us in placing new students. Our registered alumni base helps us in knowing the requirements for industry and we also change according to that. We are able to attract students through this. 

What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector?

“Paving paths to success for the ones I come across”

Throughout my journey, I have always thought of myself as a provider. I have tried my best to identify what the students need and what they might be needed to become successful individuals. To note a few factors, I’d say that my passion and my determination for the betterment of the students have kept me connected. 

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general?

“To train the students in the truest sense”

The biggest challenge that I see is the lack of skills in the students even after years of education. The model mostly focuses on theory. And even if any practical aspect is involved, it is not up to the mark or is not at all at par with the industry requirements. Companies after hiring the students need to put them under months of training. I think this is what needs to change. Students must have that experience while in college so that they can start working and contributing right away. 

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

“Try to know yourself better”

Knowing what you are good at is an important part before you choose a field for yourself. If your decision is based on the opinion of others, your decision will be a burden on you. Analyze what you are good at and how committed you are. 

Click here Shri Shivaji Polytechnic Institute Placement

How do you think the education industry will help us come out and cope with the pandemic situation?

“Education has always been the solution we have needed as a society”

It is evident that every sector and millions of people have been affected by the Covid situation. The education sector has witnessed a paradigm shift over the past few months. Classes have shifted online and nearly everything has become digital. With that being said, people have found out ways to cope up with the situation. Like always, education has been and will be a solution to whatever is wrong with the world. By educating our students, we will produce skilled professionals who will emerge as employers in the near future. Their innovation, passion, the dedication will surely bring out huge changes and I am hopeful.

How do you tend to establish a healthy relation and environment in your institute/ university?

“Providing opportunities that will let them flourish”

An institution can witness a healthy environment only when the students are progressing and are satisfied with the education provided. Building an atmosphere where students can fearlessly explore their options and enhance their skills is my number one priority. If the students are content, the institution will naturally grow and have the ideal work environment.