Mr V. Aravind has been working as the Director (Architecture) of Aalim Muhammed Salegh College Of Engineering, Chennai, Tamil Nadu. He has done B. Arch and M. Arch in Landscape Architecture as part of his academic qualification. He is a Registered Architect in Council of Architecture and an Associate in Indian Institute of Architects. He is an academician with more than 16 years of professional and teaching experience. His teaching and research interests are particularly in Green Building Strategies, Sustainable Development and Urban Landscape Infrastructure.

Aalim Muhammed Salegh College Of Engineering

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

"This field gives me numerous opportunities to grow and contribute in nation building by educating youths"

As knowledge is the key to innovation in architectural design, architects have to update their skills continuously. So being in the education sector, I get abundant learning opportunities to upgrade my knowledge and skills by getting inclusively involved in providing quality education to young minds of our society. And while I teach my students, it helps me to adapt to the challenges and changes I face on a daily basis in the education environment. All these factors together have kept me associated with the education sector for so long. 

Being the Director of Aalim Muhammed Salegh Academy of Architecture, what is your philosophy of leadership? 

"Right guidance, support and inspiration at right time is very crucial for a team to fulfill shared goals"

I strongly believe that our inspiring and qualified teachers together can build an efficient society for our present and future generations. Hence, as a dynamic leader, I consider inspiring, listening, supporting and building such a team who have strong influence and potential to mentor their students. My approach as the Director of the institute is always to enhance the adaptability and capability of our faculties so that they can offer the best quality education to young minds and maintain a good work-life balance. 

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

"By involving our students in all activities we organize and using social media to expand our reach"

In my opinion, our students are the real brand ambassadors and the driving force behind enhancing our presence among future students. Every year, we organize an open house exhibition to showcase the works of our students done during the academic program. We have our own quarterly publication called “THE HUNCH” to cover the talents of students through various domains of articles. And to connect with our stakeholders, we use different social media platforms, and by posting content through flyers, videos and reels etc. we enhance our presence with a diverse range of audiences. Apart from all this, we have a council of students to collaborate with other peer students, teachers and management for ensuring smooth functioning at each juncture of their studies. 

In your experience, what inbound a student can gain from studying here in your institute?

"We have best courses, faculties and learning opportunities for students"

We impart a wide variety of practical approaches while teaching our students to ensure they get a better understanding of concepts and impart the same in their creative designs. We also encourage students to participate both in academic and non-academic competitions conducted across the country to amplify their talents. 

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How does the curriculum of your University ensure the best practices of industry?

"We follow the curriculum designed by University which already have latest programs and trainings"

Our college is affiliated to Anna University, hence we follow the curriculum designed by Anna University itself. This curriculum is framed to follow an outcome based education whereby each course is structured with clear objectives and outcomes at all levels to promote holistic professional development of students. The new B. Arch Regulations 2021 categorizes courses as professional courses, building Science and Applied Engineering, elective courses supportive to the discipline and professional ability enhancement courses etc. in its curriculum to have a broad perspective of education. 

How is your institution more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds?

"We promote the culture of equality and have created a responsive learning ambiance for the same"

In line with the beliefs of our Founder Alhaj Dr. S.M. Sheikh Nurddin, our institute aims towards combating the inequalities in the accessibility of education for students and young minds of our society. And we cherish the diversity of students we have in our campus by providing equal opportunities to everyone to grow and ensuring a culturally responsive learning environment for them.

What are your roles and responsibilities for the institution and students?

"To monitor and supervise college activities and guide faculties and students whenever required"

Being the Director of this institute, the ambiance of my accountabilities is very vast and I am basically responsible to lead our team, train our students, faculty and staff members, monitor, manage and supervise college activities to ensure the highest possible standards of excellence and quality education. And I am also answerable to implement the vision and policies of our college by empowering my colleagues. And If I talk about students, then inculcating discipline, punctuality and habit of self-learning in them is what I am responsible for. 

What do you think should be the Institute's top priority over the next 10 years?

"We are working to introduce new certification courses, Masters Programs and exchange schemes"

We are planning to launch at least one certificate programme in every academic year in addition to the launch of a new Masters Programme in Architecture. And We are encouraging more faculties to pursue their PhDs. Lastly, we aspire to introduce an Academic Exchange Program at both national and global level which will definitely benefit both our students and faculties. 

When you first came to Aalim Muhammed Salegh college, what was your vision for the Institution?

"To make this college best place for the existing students and best choice for the future ones"

When I joined this institute in 2013, it was only 2 years old at that time, and my aim was to enhance the value of this college and the education we offer by bringing the best growth opportunities in college to empower both students and faculties. And I am slowly moving ahead to fulfill this goal by using different kinds of academic strategies, policy decisions and SMART goals. 

What makes your institute unique in comparison to others?

"We offer best quality education, conduct events like seminars, workshops and are associated with eminent Architects"

Our teaching methodology is a combination of both technical and theoretical knowledge and gives a problem solving approach to our students. We also cheer up our students to participate in events like seminars, workshops and academic academic activities. Renowned practicing Architects evaluate the Studio Projects prepared by students and give their valuable inputs for the same, and all this helps students to develop better architectural designs. We are in association with the renowned practicing architects to get an overview of their experiences and industrial expectations to keep us updated. 

What are some of the greatest strengths of your college?

"Our approaches to fulfill requirements of educational sector makes us strong"

Promoting creative and practical approaches to fulfill the evolving needs of the educational sector is the greatest strength of our Institution. In addition to this, we encourage our students and faculties to use a wide range of technologies which can help them in their research work and studies. Also we have been associated with IGBC for various sustainable activities and motivate our students and faculties to take up the IGBC AP certified exam which will add value to their skillset. 

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

"Lack of qualified teachers and degraded education quality are biggest hurdles of today's time"

In my opinion, the first challenge is that the quality of education is getting degraded day by day with the exponential increase in the number of colleges. Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) and lack of skilled professionals to teach students are two other major issues which need immediate attention. 

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

"Don't restrict yourself to your thoughts only, listen to others as well and keep upgrading yourself"

I would like to advise my students to be open minded to others views and opinions. They should also broaden their learning opportunities in order to prepare themselves to face uncertainties in the future.

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What are some plans that you’re currently designing for your institute?

"We are planning to sign MOUs for Joint Studio Programs for students benefit"

We are currently working out on the possibilities of having an MOU for Joint studio Program and academic plan for student and staff exchange.

How do you establish a healthy relationship and environment in your institute?

"By giving everyone equal opportunities to grow, heard and communicate their suggestions with us"

To ensure a cordial relationship between teachers and students and to give them a healthy environment for an effective teaching-learning process, we have established a very strong and open communication network among stakeholders, alumni , students and faculties where everyone issues are addressed and resolved on time, because we consider them as our family.