Subscribe to enjoy similar stories. The dream of securing a stable government job gave way to academics once Ramgopal Rao, the group vice chancellor for BITS Pilani, decided to pursue a master’s degree at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)-Mumbai. It was here at IIT that he was exposed to some of the best minds in the country—people who helped him discover his passion for engineering and research.
“Today, classrooms have transformed significantly since I studied engineering. There are abundant resources available online unlike earlier when we had to rely on teachers and textbooks," says Rao, 59, based in Pilani, Rajasthan. “Accessing diverse content allows for a more personalised and engaging learning experience," he says.
Also read: Stress contagion: The silent office epidemic Much of his focus has been on experiential learning to bridge the gap between theory and practice. The challenges he throws at his wards involves problem solving and design thinking rather than recalling formulae. “Our education system is overly focused on teaching theory," he says.
“The curriculum should be revised to incorporate experiential learning. This will prepare students for today’s evolving job market." Rao talks to Lounge about mentoring students and the importance of reading religious texts and newspapers. Edited excerpts: Prof.
Juzer Vasi from IIT Bombay was my mentor. He recognised my potential, nurtured my talent and provided me with platforms where I could excel. His guidance and support were instrumental in shaping my career.
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