My background...

I completed my graduate degree from Nagarjuna University and my post-graduate degree from Osmania University, both in computer science and engineering. I completed my doctoral degree from Acharya Nagarjuna University. My research domain was network security. I started my professional career in academics as a lecturer in an engineering college in Tenali, Andhra Pradesh. After that, I joined Bapatla Engineering College as a lecturer. BEC is a well-known and prestigious institution serving the higher education needs of students coming from the rural areas in the region. Although I did not get the opportunity to study at this college, I was passionate about being associated with it as a faculty member and excited to learn from the experience. It was truly my dream come true. Over the subsequent years, I rose through the ranks of the faculty in the Computer Science and Engineering department to ultimately be appointed as the principal of the college in June 2022. I feel proud and privileged to be associated with this institution for the past 17 years.

In addition to my academic journey, I have also worked in the software industry as a technical director for two and half years, in China.

I have published 42 papers, written 5 books, have been granted 4 patents, and filed 9 additional patent applications. I was selected by the University Grants Commission as an expert member for evaluating and granting autonomous status to colleges. I was also nominated as an admission committee member of AP ECET which administers common entrance tests for admission to engineering institutions in Andhra Pradesh.

My goals as a principal...

Over the last few decades, I have observed a lot of changes in students’ perspectives, particularly engineering students. About 20 years ago, most students were keen on pursuing higher education after graduating with an engineering degree. About 10 years ago, I noticed a shift in students’ goals – they wanted to enter the industry and start their career right after graduation. Most of the engineering students, regardless of which major they graduated with, ended up as a software professional because that’s where bulk of the job opportunities existed. For the last 2-3 years, because of awareness created by the government and other institutions on entrepreneurship, students are now focused on innovation and starting their own start-ups. A few BEC alumni have been successful in launching start-ups and that inspires other students to do the same. Our curriculum needs to be adapted and enhanced to support these changes.

My thoughts on Aikyam...

Aikyam created an awareness of social problems among the students and made them think how they can help address them. It is motivating all of us. We have always been strong in academics, but Aikyam is adding new dimensions of ideation, innovation, teamwork, and entrepreneurship. This is aligned with many schemes that the government is introducing with similar goals. It will also go together with the innovation cell that we are creating at the college. Through their participation in Aikyam, the students have improved their interpersonal and communication skills. As a result, we observe a positive mindset change in the students.