With over 25 years of experience in industry and academia, Dr. Pramod decided to come back to academia and help students prosper in their careers. According to him, knowledge, leadership, communication, and resilience are important to climb the ladder of success.

Prof. (Dr.) Pramod S. Nair serves as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at Medi-Caps University in Indore, which is a university well-known for management and technical education. He hails from Kerala and has completed his B.Tech, M.Tech, and a PhD.

According to Prof. Pramod, education is not just about bookish knowledge, but also giving practical exposure to students and making them industry-ready.

Delving into the infrastructure and focus of Medi-Caps University, Prof. Nair shares that the university has its focus on technology and extra-curricular activities for overall development of the students. These include activities on sports, culture, and technology in college fests like Moonstone. In the Engineering realm, they offer specialisations in Computer Science, Civil, Mechanical and  Electronics Engineering. Prof. Nair informs us that the curriculum is designed keeping in consideration the new technologies like Artificial Intelligence.

As shared by Dr. Nair, the university also supports entrepreneurship and helps students upskill in the area.

Reflecting on his early days, Prof. Nair says he  was born and brought up in a middle-class family based in Kerala. His parents had full-time jobs, and he had the opportunity to study in different parts of Kerala, which exposed him to cultural immersion and learning from people from all walks of life. Later, he  moved to Karnataka to pursue his Polytechnic Diploma which was a game-changing experience for him where he learnt more about upskilling and extra-curricular activities, and not just education, which was the main focus in Kerala.

After gaining exposure in Karnataka, Prof. Pramod moved back to Kerala to pursue engineering, and later to Tamil Nadu to pursue his M.Tech. He then pursued his PhD in central India, gaining further exposure and meeting different people, which helped shape his personality.

After spending a few years in the industry, Prof. Pramod decided to come back to academia and has been in the education line for the past 18 years. Not just India, Prof. Pramod has also taught in foreign countries which exposed him to a different education system and helped him understand the need of students to prosper in their careers.

When asked about his role models, Prof. Nair says he initially drew inspiration from his cousins who were doing well in education. He also looks up to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, and admires him for his struggles and contributions to national development. Sachin Tendulkar is also one of his role models.

Prof. Pramod S. Nair quotes the famous saying by Mahatma Gandhi, “Live your life as if you were to die tomorrow.” On that note, he adds that one should make the most of each day and cherish it forever. Dr. Nair also emphasises the importance of acquiring knowledge and keeping a learning attitude throughout life. In this context, he quotes the powerful quote by Gandhi, “Learn as if you were to live forever.”

Sharing a glimpse of his challenges, Dr. Nair says that some failures are necessary for anyone to achieve something in their lives. He adds that he is determined never to fail at a task he has previously failed in. Dr. Pramod shares that he has met with obstacles, but those hindrances have only made him stronger. He also shares his life challenges with his students to help them navigate theirs. Dr. Pramod aims to keep his students motivated while also helping them hone their personality and speaking skills.

In his advice to the students and the younger generation, Prof. Pramod S. Nair says that having good communication and leadership skills is paramount. He says students these days also need to be technologically sound and Medi-Caps University is focusing on it. Dr. Pramod adds that quality education, industry exposure, and discipline will be the focus of the university for the students willing to join it.

For matriculation students, Dr. Pramod urges them to choose only that subject or field which will help them fulfil their dreams. He says that during this stage, self-introspection and evaluation of one’s interests is more important than succumbing to peer influence or parental pressure.

In his final message, Prof. Pramod says that “Knowledge is a tangible asset, necessary to earn respect and stand apart.” He goes on to mention that these days there are many ways of acquiring knowledge like reading books. Dr. Pramod also advises people to be resilient as there will be ups and downs in life. “The day you fall down, make sure to bounce back the next day itself”, says Dr. Pramod.

Prof. Pramod suggests grabbing opportunities wherever one’s leadership skills can be showcased. He reassures the students not to worry as failure and success both have learning to offer.