Beyond The Classroom: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. V. Prasanna Moorthy

Dr. V. Prasanna Moorthy, a teaching faculty member of Government College of Technology, Coimbatore. He is the Head of department— EIE and Placement & Training Officer. Sir is particularly famous for his teaching excellence, student-friendly counseling and sincere efforts towards teaching and research. With his knowledge and friendly demeanor, he has remained a source of inspiration for students, urging them to follow knowledge with discipline and innovation. His dedication to the development of the institution and the achievement of his students really makes him an extraordinary mentor.

How has the perspective on engineering education changed over the years, and what drove this transformation?

I joined GCT in 2001, during the initial phase of globalization's second decade. Placements were gradually gaining momentum, and we had not yet implemented NBA accreditation. The introduction of NBA in 2003-2004 marked a pivotal moment, ushering in outcome-based education that enhanced faculty awareness and pedagogical approaches.

I extend my gratitude to the Government of India, Government of Tamil Nadu, and AICTE for facilitating numerous workshops and faculty development programs. The TEQIP funding enabled us to upgrade our infrastructure with cutting-edge technology, transforming the knowledge delivery system for students.

Over the past two decades, I've witnessed a remarkable transformation. Previously, students were predominantly theory-oriented and textbook-dependent. Today, I observe students actively working with processors and programming languages, participating in hackathons, and solving real-world problems using their academic knowledge. This shift from theoretical learning to practical application represents the most significant transformation I've experienced.

Where do you envision GCT in the next decade, and what role should faculty play in this transformation?

GCT's transformation over the next ten years depends on collaborative efforts from all stakeholders—students, parents, faculty, alumni, corporate partners, and industry collaborators. By understanding industrial requirements and global developments, particularly the growing importance of artificial intelligence, we can strategically position ourselves for excellence.

Considering all these influential factors, if we commit to continuous adaptation and development, GCT will undoubtedly emerge as a Tier-1 institution in the country. As we celebrate our 88th year, I envision that by our 90th and 100th anniversaries, we will rank among the nation's leading educational institutions.

This transformation requires faculty to remain updated with the dynamic global landscape while nurturing student aspirations and maintaining our commitment to educational excellence.

Where does an educator's responsibility end and a student's personal responsibility begin?

This is an exceptionally well-framed question. Traditionally, teachers' responsibilities were confined to blackboard instruction. We've since progressed through OLED projectors to today's laser pointers and computer-aided presentations, but technological advancement alone doesn't define a teacher's role.

Modern educators function as facilitators rather than mere instructors. Teachers must stay abreast of industry developments, serving as primary observers who educate students beyond textbooks about current industrial practices, requirements, and necessary skill sets.

Beginning in the second year—after students complete their foundation in physics, chemistry, and English communication during the first year—faculty must help students identify their professional domains, future goals, and dream companies. This requires establishing strong mentor-mentee relationships where faculty genuinely understand student aspirations and provide appropriate guidance for skill development.

As a GCT alumnus from the 1995 Electrical Engineering batch, I've witnessed our strong alumni network's eagerness to support current students. Their affinity and commitment provide invaluable assistance in student development across all fronts. When specialized training isn't available internally, alumni contribute by arranging industry-based trainers and technical experts.

I also acknowledge the Government of Tamil Nadu and Government of India for various scholarship programs supporting technical education, including the excellent Naan Mudhalvan initiative for student upskilling.

Faculty responsibility transitions to student responsibility when individual initiative becomes paramount. Students today have unprecedented access to information through mobile devices and can easily discover events and opportunities across India. Personal discipline, attitude, dedication, and upskilling must originate from individual commitment. When students prioritize their personal career development, it creates a win-win situation for both the institution and the individual.

How crucial are discipline, punctuality, and communication in preparing for placements?

This is an excellent question. As Training and Placement Officer, the feedback we consistently receive from corporate recruiters is that GCT students demonstrate technical excellence and commendable dedication. However, communication skills remain an area requiring improvement—not as a criticism, but as constructive feedback for student development.

Historically, when fewer colleges existed in the Chennai region, GCT attracted primarily local students. Today, with numerous institutions in Chennai, our student body comprises mainly students from other districts, representing diverse backgrounds—middle-income families, Tamil-medium education, and rural environments where English communication opportunities were limited.

While Tamil remains our strength and primary communication medium, professional careers require global interaction where English proficiency is essential. Students must cultivate the habit of attempting English conversation whenever possible. I also request faculty to conduct classes in English, enabling students to absorb vocabulary naturally. Mastering approximately 500-1000 words can facilitate effective English communication—significantly fewer than required in Tamil.

When teachers consistently use English, students develop listening skills, expand vocabulary, and by mid-second year, achieve conversational fluency. This linguistic development, combined with dedicated technical skill enhancement, forms the foundation for professional success.

What's your perspective on the statement: "Everyone's life starts only after completing college"?

I completely disagree with this statement. Student life doesn't begin when college ends—career life commences the moment college begins. From day one of enrollment, students must establish clear goals and vision regarding their aspirations.

These four institutional years determine the trajectory of the subsequent forty years of professional life. I've witnessed remarkable achievements by GCT alumni who became CEOs, entrepreneurs, UPSC officers, and successful professionals across various domains. Their foundation—education, ethics, and discipline—was built during these crucial four years.

Your career begins on day one of your institutional journey, not upon graduation.

What is the most important skill students should develop to ensure placement readiness?

GCT is blessed with sincere and dedicated placement officers. I extend my gratitude to Dr. Ranjith Kumar, our placement officer for  the past ten years, and Dr. K. Ramesh, our placement and training officer for the past three years, who also serves as Head of Mechanical Engineering. Their tireless efforts attract numerous industries with high expectations for human resources.

Students must understand that their seniors' efforts, combined with our officers' dedication, brings these opportunities. Therefore, consistent daily preparation is essential for securing positions in dream companies.

I must share a recent example: when visiting another institution, the principal showed me preparation notes from our former student, Abhinav. Among 400 participants in a placement drive, he was the sole selection. His preparation methodology impressed the principal, reflecting our students' quality.

This year, in another college's placement drive with 600 participants, I'm proud to report that only one student secured placement—our ECE student graduating in 2026. Remarkably, he comes from a Tamil-medium background and received a 14 LPA offer. This achievement reflects the sincere support of our Principal, all departmental HODs, and our respected Commissioner, who previously headed TNSkill and continues supporting infrastructure development across colleges.

The ultimate factors for placement success are upskilling, communication skill development, domain knowledge mastery, and maintaining discipline. I request all students to appear in formal attire during placement drives, as professional presentation matters significantly.

What motto taught by your teachers do you never forget?

The motto I perpetually remember is "தொழில்நுட்பம் வினைத்திட்பம்" (Technology and Efficiency), derived from GCT's emblem. My teachers consistently emphasized this principle during classes, much like our current discussions about institutional vision and mission.

I also cherish this Thirukkural verse:

"கற்க கசடற கற்பவை கற்றபின்

நிற்க அதற்கு தக"

Learn thoroughly what needs to be learned, then stand firm in that knowledge.

If you master technology completely, you can conquer the world.

The Editorial Team

Interviewer, Author & Reporter: Ajith A IBT'27

Photography: Janani Shree K EIE'27

Questionnaire: Mathimalar V IT'27

Designer: Saravanavel C CSE'27