Presidency University Head: Dr. Ashok Itagi Interview

Dr. Ashok Itagi is the Head of Presidency University School Of Design, Karnataka. He is a distinction M.Tech and Ph.D. (Tech) holder having 32 years of Experience in Academic, Research and Industrial setups. He has worked in Govt Research Institute, Engineering colleges and Textile Industry. He was accorded “Dr. Abdul Kalam Lifetime Achievement Award-2012” for works in the fields of Teaching, Research and administration. His areas of passion include Idea Generation related to Designing and fusion of Fashion and function using Hybrid technologies.

How do you plan for the marketing and administration of your Institute?

“Investing in good human resources and focusing on market needs”

According to me, the key point for any marketing is ‘find the need and feed it’. Marketing is equipping ourselves with the threshold levels of educational, Operational and Financial infrastructure with the right kind of human resources. The singular element that drives any entity forward is the quality of its human resources. Sourcing them, training them and retaining them would be the key differentiator.

How does the curriculum of your Institute ensure the best practice of industry?

“With a strong industry connect and skill-based interactive courses”

We promote the right Leadership that understands and encourages ‘Laissez Faire’. It allows us to experiment with practices and pedagogies which add value. We are connected to the Industry, Design practitioners in various ways that bring value addition and new perspectives into the system. We constantly dialogue with Industry experts regarding CBP. Also, masterclasses are arranged for the students as special interactive sessions. 

How does your Institute promote an environment of inclusivity in the campus?

“Financial aid and welfare schemes for the benefit of students from weaker section”

Providing equal education opportunities to all students is one of our main principles. We have facilities like the Department of Student Welfare, Learning and development wing which takes care of the sensibilities of incoming students. Also, a sizable number of deserving students are supported emotionally and financially.

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What do you think your responsibilities to the Institute and the students are?

“To ensure the correct implementation of policies and resources at hand”

A student's primary aim must be to use the resources productively and innovatively. My responsibility is to see that there will be an optimal use of the resources that we are offering. Also, enabling program outcomes at the highest level. Additionally, to be proactive to the changes and adapt ‘Technology of Education’ and ‘Technology in Education’ effectively.

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

“To create a unique and flexible education model promoting talent”

Looking ahead, there would be disruptions of various kinds into our educational scenarios. Hence, building a system that unlearns, learns and adapts would be the top priority. This would be only possible by training and retaining the “Right Human Resource” and have a Disaster Management plan for tiding over the crisis that may arise in future.

What has been your vision for the growth of the institute?

“Creating an organization that is future ready”

My vision for the organisation is creating and sustaining a world-class body of knowledge and pedagogy in the sphere of design education. Building an institute that has a considerably better chance of coping with the emerging challenges is essential in recent times. 

What do you see as Presidency University, School of design’s greatest strengths?

“Experiential learning activities and highly experienced faculty”

Our greatest strength is the presence of a committed workforce with the skill sets and the means to positively impact the students. We are proud to have a management that envisions these and forms a bedrock of values and ethics. Eventually making the school ‘One right organisation’.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth?

“The youth has the power to help a country develop and move towards progress”

Members of our younger population are the ultimate stakeholders and forbearers of the future. I would advise them to possess unflinching passion for their chosen field and willingness to work. Make this the mantra for a successful and fulfilling life.

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How do you tend to establish a healthy environment in your institute?

“By supporting the administration and management in making student-centric decisions” 

We manage all our resources in the most productive and justifiable way. Meeting the vision and perspectives envisioned by the management helps us in this regard. Being proactive and supporting the students, faculty and non-teaching members in their operations is essential for a healthy environment.