Beyond the Classroom: An Exclusive Interview with Dr. S. Bradeesh Moorthy

Prof. Bradeesh Moorthy, a teaching faculty member of Government College of Technology, mechanical engineering. He is known for his student friendly approach. More than a teacher, many students regard him as a good mentor for their life. With his knowledge,he inspires many students. In addition to teaching, he has footprints in many diverse leagues. He is a good bowler in cricket and a badminton player. He always looks after his students and takes part in each and every student's life. When his students are reaching a high stage, it makes him cherish those moments and that keeps him moving forward. He also emphasizes the importance of physical activity, in the tightest academic schedule.

Sir What’s your life before GCT? 

A new gate opened to me after entering into GCT. I had completed my bachelor's degree at a private college. After that I was seeking a good job for 3-4 years. I always hustle for what’s next in my life. That led me into the teaching profession. After that I worked at ISRO as an apprentice. Then to continue my teaching journey, I had to do a Master's. That gave me GCT. 2 years here, gave me a good exposure as well as good connection. After GCT, I got a job at railways as senior section engineer. This is my story before and after GCT.

Sir, could you tell us your transition from Railways to GCT? 

I was super excited when I got the posting at GCT. I had remembered my nostalgic moments during my college days, very eager to come back to the place where I studied. It was mesmerizing. Still I feel the same now.

Sir, you are the sports director of this college. We heard from all that you're a very good bowler in cricket and also a good badminton player. Please tell us more. 

Actually, I played volleyball and football in my school days. I play kabaddi and all other sports too. But I am particularly interested in cricket. While I was studying 10th, I had a desire to take cricket as my career. But my family said, choose it after 12th. After entering college, as a river flows, my life drove me into the teaching field. During my college days, I explored playing badminton. That is my sports history. Basically, I like all sports.

Sir, can you say who is your inspiring person in sports?

I like cricket. One of the inspiring sportspersons is Azaruddin(Former Indian cricket team captain). The other one is Sachin Tendulkar. After sports, there are two other persons who inspired me in my academics as well as in my life. One person is my physics teacher. I remember a moment which touched my heart. His name is Stephen. He is also very much interested in sports. During sports day at my school, he was umpiring and he made a decision against me. Even though I don't fight with anyone, I was sitting very quietly in my class, a bit disappointed. When he came towards me, he said these words, “Study first, we will keep our fight next”. These words guided me how to behave even though we have some disagreements towards someone. Next is my mechanical professor, Dr. K.S. Amarthaganeshwaran. Every action of him from teaching till how he behaves to each and every student inspired me and shaped my life.

According to you, why should students prioritize sports also?

It is my belief that for peace, for smooth flow of work there should be an entertainment media. Here in our college, we have many clubs to refresh, entertain and learn. Sports is also an activity, a physical one, which can both train you physically and mentally. When a student picks up sports, it will lead him to be a disciplined individual. There are less chances for a student to go in a wrong way. Nowadays, the interaction among inter department students is also not good. So, these kinds of clubs and sports will give them friends across the department.

Now, the current generations are all addicted to the mobile phone, scrolling instagram for long hours. What's your perspective on this? What can we do to stop this? 

This is not only for the students, even when I take a phone to watch a video, the video goes on so long that after watching, we start to regret it. Especially after reels, students are spending time endlessly on it. So, students should come out of the addiction, this is the need of an hour. I regularly watch Dr. Sivaraman(siddha doctor) videos. He says that my generation is a very difficult one. Because our generation can see that our younger generations are suffering both physically and mentally in front of us.  To stop this habit among our students, maybe we can close the hostel gate till 6.30 pm and direct them to come to the ground and play. I think this might be the solution.

Sir, I have asked about you to mechanical senior students, they all said more than a good teacher, you're a good mentor. How do you make connections with the students?

As said earlier, my professor Dr. Amarthaganeshwaran, I have been inspired by him. In his cabin, there will be 5-6 chairs kept. Whenever a student goes to his cabin, they should sit first. That's how sir treats us. I think it is very easy to connect with the students. First ask about what you're doing and what's your 12th mark. That's more than enough to make connections. Whenever I see him, I will ask how are your parents? Because students at GCT are mostly from very financially less versed families. If a student performs low in his/her academics, speak to them. Make them understand their situation. That's how I make connections

13 long years as a professor. Which batch do you feel is the best?

For me no batch is the best or worst. But 2022-26 batch is very close for me. I was a Faculty Advisor for them for a full term. I know each and every student's family situation and I have seen them working really hard. All batches are close to my heart.

Sir, throughout your journey, you would have seen many students. Has any character of your students inspired you? 

Definitely yes. I won't take their name now. There was a function going on in the auditorium. The system operator went for lunch and didn't come. The event has to start. We were calling him but he didn't pick the call. So, the students themselves came forward and handled it. When he came, he was very tense, he was very furious with the students. There was a lot of chaos. But suddenly a student came forward, took the accountability on their and sought out the problem. Still there are lots and lots of students in our college who inspire me. I am truly blessed to be here.

In addition to professor, you're our college alumni, you’re one among them in our alumni association, what's your take on networking? How important is it for the students?

For every individual, networking is a must. In my early days, when I was in a job, I needed a house to stay in and my friend shared his room with me. So that network has helped me and now I’m here. Anywhere you go, make a meaningful connection.

Sir, what do we need to change in our college to improve our college standards to new highs?

Hostel facilities, that is the main thing. With the alumni support, we have improved some first year hostels. We should improve more. Due to the hostels, many of the top students are rejecting GCT, preferring other colleges.

I see the club activities as a strong advantage in our college. All colleges have that, but here f each and every student comes forward and carries the event. Still many more to improve. We will improve it step by step.

This is a hypothetical one, what would you feel as an advantage and disadvantage of the technology?

I feel that nowadays resources are very easy to get. Even before the semester exam, just using chatgpt I can cover a syllabus. But disadvantage is, the same chatgpt can also be used by the professors too. This will give the professor a variety of questions to make harder the exam.

Finally, what has GCT given you?

In one word, “Everything”. Good study space, good family, peaceful life and good students.

Thank you sir.

Credits:

Patron: Dr. T.Purshothaman M.E.,Ph.D, Principal of GCT

Staff In-charge: Dr. M. Kalpana

Editor in Chief: Mathimalar V (IT 23-27)

Interviewer : MalarMathi (IBT 24-28)

Reporter : Mithilesh M B (EEE 24-28)

Videography: Srikanth (MECH 23-27)