Beyond The Classroom: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. K. Ramesh

Professor Ramesh Sir—Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering at Government College of Technology, Coimbatore. With extensive experience as an academician and profound knowledge in Mechanical Engineering, he has been navigating the department to excellence in teaching and research.

Sir has been the most influential inspirational person among the students, driving them not just to excel academically but also towards achieving practical skills, creative thinking and professionalism. His visionary leadership has enabled the department to grow in huge leaps and has maintained the image of GCT in producing quality mecahnical engineers

How have students changed in the past decade, and how has this influenced your teaching approach?

Students today demonstrate remarkable curiosity and eagerness to learn, particularly regarding the latest developments in their respective fields. In thermodynamics and thermal engineering, for instance, students consistently strive to stay abreast of new advancements. When I teach fundamental concepts like enthalpy or entropy, I emphasize practical and real-time applications to enhance their understanding.

Compared to a decade ago, today’s students are more agile learners they process information faster, possess broader foundational knowledge, and actively seek contemporary examples relevant to their discipline. This evolution has prompted me to integrate more current case studies and emerging technologies into my curriculum, ensuring that theoretical concepts are anchored in modern applications.

Do you feel today’s students are more stressed compared to your time as a student?

Indeed, contemporary students face significantly higher stress levels. They are expected to master not only core curriculum but also stay current with rapidly evolving technologies. In Mechanical Engineering, for example, students must become proficient in various design and analysis software packages while simultaneously engaging with advanced subjects through platforms like NPTEL.

Furthermore, they are exploring interdisciplinary domains such as Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), and Data Analytics fields that are increasingly integrated with traditional Mechanical Engineering. While this exposure broadens their knowledge base considerably, the pressure to excel across multiple domains beyond their primary academics creates substantial stress.

However, we maintain strong rapport with our students within the classroom environment, which helps them navigate these pressures more effectively. Creating a supportive learning atmosphere is crucial for their overall well being and academic success.

How has knowledge from outside your field influenced your teaching or research?

I believe in continuous learning and practice this philosophy personally. Currently, I am learning German through NPTEL I have successfully completed the A1 level and am now preparing for A2 certification. Additionally, within my domain, I have enrolled in a course on “Developments in Thermodynamics and Thermodynamic Approaches.”

I make it a conscious effort to acquire new knowledge daily, even in areas outside my primary expertise. This commitment to lifelong learning enriches me both personally and professionally. More importantly, it enables me to bring fresh perspectives and cutting edge trends to my students, keeping our classroom discussions dynamic and relevant to current industry standards.

This interdisciplinary approach has proven invaluable it allows me to draw connections between diverse fields and demonstrate to students how knowledge transcends traditional boundaries, preparing them for the increasingly interconnected professional landscape they will encounter.

The Editorial Team

Interviewer: Meenatchi G EIE'27

Author: Ajith A IBT'27

Reporter: Sanjai PRODUCTION'27

Photography: Janani Shree K EIE'27

Questionnaire: Mathimalar V IT'27

Designer: Saravanavel C CSE'27