Alma mater and the alumni are bound together in a relationship which finds recognition in history of our civilization as that binding GURU and SHISHYA. With a tradition going back to 150 years the emotional bond of all Alumni with Roorkee is perhaps very strong and unique.
And this presents a strength on which we ought to build the future. But there is also an additional dimension to this bond which offers an extremely market driven linkage in the present 21st century. Sustainability is the keyword today. We in India have inherited a Raj culture of Govt. subsidies and ‘Donations’. But the modern public institutions in the post liberalization period have to learn to fend for themselves and find vigor to grow if they really want to survive. There was a time when most of Indian Engineering education was PWD type job oriented. Industry whatever we had of it, was tied to the apron strings of MNC principles. We still have lot of foreign collaboration industry linkage. But the situation is taking a gradual turn. In the era of Global competitiveness and Government downsizing , a new class of Indian entrepreneurs is beginning to emerge, for which the entire burden of R&D has to be borne by our institutions like Roorkee. Industry sponsored research only forms the backbone of the modern successful growing institutions and the prosperous nations. One need not belabor this point by recalling the strength of Ivy League institutions of USA.
Research sponsored and funded by industry depends entirely on the ability of the institutions to establish a reputation and credibility to deliver in a time bound manner industry being a very tough customer. For an R&D institution to establish its credibility is no different from any forward looking business enterprise, going about the business of establishing its reputation and a building a loyal customer base. Lot of research grants follow the talents of individual scientists and professors. In India the Industry is gradually picking up and global level indigenous industry players are emerging. This provides for the R&D institutions to play a big role. The Industry sponsored research in India has still to make its presence felt. The R&D institutions have to very industriously build their reputations.
Traditionally Roorkee has enjoyed a very close Alumni bondage. This is a big advantage which we have at Roorkee, and we need to build upon it. The going is made a lot easier if we recognize in every passing out Alumnus a representative of our future very loyal customer base. Once the customer has been identified, there is need for a regular communication with him about the strength and current activities of the enterprise. With this strategy to further strengthen our bonds once an Alumni passes out, for say about two years, there should be an institutional policy to facilitate and encourage him to revisit his departments and teachers to interact for getting help and guidance to his technical queries and doubts that may arise during his initial professional career, as a sort of free consultancy service. This also provides an opportunity for the academic staff to have a feel of the current industry scenario. This is like a commercial enterprise giving complimentary gifts to its customers for future business promotion. It not only makes the bond of the institution stronger but also ensures that confidence level in the ability of the institution to deliver on R&D is enhanced.
In the Indian context it is extremely important in absence of any significant R&D industry based past performance reputation.
During the past with little industry and entrepreneurship linkages the socializing club culture was the norm . There was little need and scope for an R&D culture. The present changed scenario must also bring about a change in our perceptions of how we see the Alumni and how their events should also have other dimensions than mere social gatherings as in the past. The Alumni association chapters should be encouraged to have closer linkage with their Alma mater. Internet facilities make these exercises easier to day.
There is need to have an Alumni Periodical Journal giving highlights of current R&D activities and regular interaction with Alumni on current technological trends and challenges faced by the industry. Alumni can subscribe to this journal depending on their interest. The Journal can be made more appealing by giving space to other topical and social interest items also. This in fact becomes a very interesting but challenging media exercise. The large institutions like MIT find such activities of great significance in mobilizing a very active Alumni interface. It is needless to say that all these are not only self-sustaining activities, but also go a very long way in ‘selling’ the institution. All regular get together should become very eagerly sought for events for the opportunity they provide for the fresh students as also for the faculty to share in the professional experience of Industry leaders and specialists in their fields.
Golden and diamond jubilee gatherings can provide life time opportunities for younger engineers to share the life time perspectives and foresights of Industry and Professional leaders. |
