Date:21/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/21/stories/2006082100930500.htm

Andhra Pradesh

The crucial four years

R. Ravikanth Reddy

EducationPlus Classes will begin next week for the fresh batch of engineering students. Teachers warn that hard work and regular attendance are the only sure-fire way to dream careers

HARD WORK IS THE KEY: Entering engineering college is just the beginning. Students have to study well and cultivate discipline to end up as successful professionals. — Photo: R.V. Moorthy

The dream day has come. The toil of two years has paved the way to the portals of the dream destination and the next four years will shape the future. Carrying the aspirations of parents and their own ambitions students are all set to enter engineering colleges on August 28 when classes are scheduled to begin for first year students.

The dream has not come true yet. It is the beginning of the stage in a student's life that leads to the realisation of dreams.

Reaching those goals is not an easy task without commitment, dedication, hard work, planning and some sincerity in sticking on to those four vital ingredients of success.

And teachers put the ball in the court of the students with the combined view that "Success is in the hands of the students only and we are only catalysts."

"Four years is a long time for one to work towards one's goal and engineering colleges and the syllabus provide that opportunity," says D.N. Reddy, Principal, Osmania University College of Engineering (OUCE). "The most important aspect is attendance. Attending all the classes will make life easier for students. The schedule is so tight that missing even one class will hamper the flow," he warns. Moreover, universities now are very strict with the mandatory 75 per cent attendance.

Take some time to familiarise yourself with the chosen college and make friends. But serious academics should start after that. Prof. Reddy says even bright students fail to cope in the first year due to the vast change in subjects they study at Intermediate and engineering. So it is all the more reason to take academics seriously. "It is a professional course unlike Intermediate," he reiterates. Prof. K. Rajagopal, Vice Chancellor, JNTU says the syllabus is in tune with the market needs and revised according to the industry changes.

"They can identify the syllabus with their aspirations and job needs," he says. But Prof. Reddy reminds students that they need to master core engineering subjects like electronics, electrical and mechanical. Given the growing importance of communication skills, colleges are being asked to set up English language labs.

"The experimentation in the university colleges was a huge success and we are asking all affiliated colleges to have a similar set up," says Prof. Rajagopal.

He says soft skills are as important as subject knowledge these days and students should use the four years to improve their skills to find placements.

"Everyone should spend at least an hour a day for improving these skills using the facilities at the English language labs, or the library or Internet" feels Prof. Reddy. Every student should make a habit of visiting the library and going through journals. Interacting with senior students will help the newcomers immensely.

Attending seminars and presenting papers at technical festivals is another key factor. "It boosts their confidence and a professional approach will help them in the industry," Prof. Reddy says.

Ragging trouble

Newcomers should be wary of ragging and any mischief should be brought to the notice of the principal immediately. "Don't ignore ragging as it can destroy students' lives," warns Prof. Reddy. The anti-ragging committees are active in all the colleges and students are made aware of the strong penal actions.

"Don't fear those indulging in ragging as there is enough mechanism to tackle them and safeguard the juniors," says Prof. Rajagopal. But the teachers don't forget to mention that students should enjoy campus life. So go ahead and have a great time.