A Heartwarming Reunion: Reflecting on MGM College’s Legacy and Future Aspirations on Staff Club Day

Having bid adieu to a prestigious institution where the foundations of your identity and professional life were built, the desire to reconnect with those hallowed halls never really wanes. This year, an invitation to MGM College's Staff Club Day gave me an opportunity to not just revisit my alma mater, but also to witness its thriving progress and ambitious plans for the future.

MGM College holds a special place in my heart; it is where I imbibed values that have been guiding principles throughout my life. The memories of the nurturing environment created by the dedicated management, the unflagging support of the faculty, and the camaraderie shared with fellow students are still vivid in my memory. I was elated when the current Principal, Sri Lakshmi Narayana Karanth, reached out to me with a warm invitation to the Staff Club Day scheduled for June 30th, 2023. He graciously asked me to bring along Dr. N T Bhat, who is a senior professor and a well-respected figure at MGM College.

The Staff Club Day commenced at 6 pm and was attended by a convocation of luminaries. Among them was Sri Varadaraya Pai, the Secretary of the Academy of General Education, who graced the event as the Chief Guest. One of the highlights of the evening was the felicitation of Sri Varadaraya Pai in recognition of his invaluable contribution to MGM College’s stellar achievement – securing an A+ grade in the recent NAAC Assessment. Additionally, the college had the honor of hosting Dr. Vijaya MG and Dr. Sandhya Nambiar, both former principals whose visionary leadership and relentless efforts played a significant role in this noteworthy accomplishment. Their speeches reflected on MGM College's longstanding values and the importance of upholding them for future generations.

An electrifying moment of the evening came when Sri Varadaraya Pai, in his eloquent and inspiring speech, unveiled the management's commitment to attain autonomy for MGM College within a year. This ambitious goal will undoubtedly usher in a new era for MGM, enhancing its ability to adapt and innovate in the ever-evolving landscape of higher education.

The event was imbued with joy as the faculty presented an array of captivating entertainment programs. Their performances were not only a testament to their talents but also a symbol of the close-knit community that MGM College nurtures. The evening was capped off with a sumptuous dinner, which provided an opportunity for heartfelt conversations and rekindling of old bonds.

As I left MGM College that night, my heart was filled with immense pride and gratitude. It was not just a reunion; it was a celebration of MGM’s illustrious past and a pledge to an even more vibrant and influential future. I have no doubt that under the capable stewardship of its current leaders and the continued dedication of its staff, MGM College will achieve new pinnacles of excellence.

 

Enlightening Session on NAAC Benchmarks at A J Institute of Management, Mangalore

Date of the Session: 23^rd June 2023

Introduction

I recently had the distinct privilege of conducting an enlightening session at the A J Institute of Management, Mangalore. This session focused on Criterion 1 and Criterion 2, as outlined by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The session aimed to provide the faculty with a comprehensive understanding of these criteria, supplemented with suitable examples of benchmarks.

The Beginning of a Fruitful Afternoon

The session was scheduled to start at 2 pm and was meticulously planned to continue until 4:30 pm, ensuring ample time for in-depth discussion and interaction.

A Warm Welcome

Dr. Jayaprakash Rao, the esteemed Director of the A J Institute of Management, played the perfect host. He introduced me, Dr. Sureshramana Mayya, to the faculty members and set the tone for a productive and enlightening session. His words were not only welcoming but also highlighted the significance of the knowledge that was to be shared.

Diving into the Details: Criterion 1 and Criterion 2

The session was structured to provide a detailed understanding of two critical NAAC criteria:

1. Criterion 1: Curricular Aspects
• I discussed the importance of curriculum design and development, focusing on how academic programs should align with the institution’s mission and goals.
• I shared examples of best practices and benchmarks, such as the involvement of industry experts in curriculum development and regular curriculum updates based on feedback from stakeholders.
2. Criterion 2: Teaching-Learning and Evaluation
• This part of the session delved into the strategies and methods that institutions can adopt to enhance the teaching-learning process.
• I illustrated this with examples of benchmarks, such as continuous faculty development programs, student feedback mechanisms, and the use of technology in teaching.

Interactive and Engaging

The session was designed to be interactive, encouraging faculty members to share their experiences and challenges. This format led to a rich exchange of ideas and practical insights that could be applied in the academic setting of the A J Institute of Management.

Words of Gratitude

At the conclusion of the Session, Dr. Jayaprakash Rao, the Director of the Institute, expressed his heartfelt thanks. He acknowledged the depth of knowledge shared during the session and conveyed his appreciation for the time and effort invested in preparing and conducting this valuable session.

Reflections

As I reflect on this session, I am filled with a sense of fulfilment. It was an opportunity to share knowledge and engage with a group of dedicated and passionate educators. The eagerness of the faculty at the A J Institute of Management to learn and adapt to best practices for the benefit of their students was truly inspiring.

Conclusion

Contributing to the academic excellence that the A J Institute of Management, Mangalore, continually strives for was an honour. I am grateful for the warm reception and the engaging discussions that marked this memorable session.

– Dr. Sureshramana Mayya

Exploring Pt. Shyam Shankar Mishra College Deobhog, a Journey to Remember

On June 13th and 14th, 2023, I embarked on an exciting visit to Govt. Pt. Shyam Shankar Mishra College in Deobhog, located in the beautiful state of Chhattisgarh. Join me as I share my experiences and adventures during this memorable trip.

To ensure a smooth visit, I decided to arrive in Raipur, the capital of Chhattisgarh, a day prior to my scheduled visit. On the 11th of June, I made my way to the Mangalore International Airport in our trusty battery-operated Tata Nexon, driven by my son Arun. Boarding the Indigo flight at 11:35 am, I reached Bangalore at 12:15 pm, where I spent some quality time at the 080 Lounge using my SBI Wealth Card.

Continuing my journey from Bangalore, I boarded the Indigo flight to Raipur, arriving at 5:15 pm. Although small and lacking lounge facilities, Swami Vivekananda Airport served as the gateway to my exploration. Mr. Jagath, a faculty member from Pt, warmly received me. Shyam Shankar Mishra College, who escorted me to the nearby transit hotel, Hyatt Raipur. Here, I had the pleasure of meeting Prof. Vijay Joshi, our team member and former Principal of Somayya College, now working as the Principal Consultant for Higher Education in the Maharashtra Government. We shared a delicious dinner at a restaurant conveniently located in front of Hyatt Raipur, while discussing our schedule for the visit.

Bright and early the next morning, after a satisfying breakfast, we set off on our journey to Hotel Amrapali, the closest accommodation option to the college. The 255.5 km drive via NH353 and Bhawanipatna - Raipur Hwy took us approximately 5 hours and 44 minutes. As we traveled through forested areas with minimal traffic, we couldn't find any notable eateries for lunch, resorting to some noisy snacks at the hotel instead. During the drive, Prof. Joshi shared his invaluable experiences in the field of higher education, enriching our discussions along the way. Finally, we arrived at Hotel Amrapali Classic around 4 pm, where we prepared for our previsit meeting and fine-tuned the visit schedule in collaboration with the IQAC Coordinator and other faculty members.

The following morning, fueled by a hearty breakfast, we embarked on the 45 km journey to Pt. Shyam Shankar Mishra College, eagerly anticipating the interaction with students from the tribal area. Dr. T. S Sonwani, the in-charge Principal, warmly welcomed us. Prof. Damodar Mishra, our team's Chairman hailing from West Bengal, added an extra layer of expertise to our visit. It was a truly incredible experience engaging with the students, and we did our best to fulfill our responsibilities with the knowledge and skills we possessed. Each member of our team brought their wealth of expertise to the table, contributing to a successful visit.

After a fruitful day of engaging with the college community, we concluded our exit meeting at 6:30 pm and returned to our rooms at 9 pm. Given the 6-hour journey back to Raipur airport, and to save costs for the college, we decided to depart from Hotel Amrapali Classic in a single car at 6:30 am. The scenic drive provided a tranquil start to the day as we made our way towards Raipur Airport, reaching our destination by 12:30 pm.

As scheduled, I boarded my flight at 4:30 pm, bidding farewell to Raipur and embarking on the journey back to Bangalore. The flight landed at 6:15 pm, allowing me ample time before catching my connecting flight at 8 pm. Finally, at 9 pm, I arrived in Mangalore, where my son Arun eagerly awaited, ready to take me home.

The visit to Govt. Pt. Shyam Shankar Mishra College Deobhog was an enriching experience filled with memorable encounters and valuable interactions. From the warm reception by Mr. Jagath to the insightful discussions with Prof. Vijay Joshi, every moment contributed to the success of the visit. The hospitality of Hotel Amrapali Classic and the dedication of the college staff, led by Dr. T. S Sonwani and Prof. Damodar Mishra, left a lasting impression.

Engaging with the students of the tribal area was a highlight of the trip, reminding me of the importance of education and the incredible potential within every individual. Our team's collective expertise and the collaborative efforts of the college faculty ensured a productive and rewarding visit.

As I departed, I carried with me a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper appreciation for the education system. The trip reaffirmed the significance of fostering academic growth and nurturing the talents of young minds.

In conclusion, my visit to Govt. Pt. Shyam Shankar Mishra College Deobhog was a journey of discovery, learning, and cultural exchange. I am grateful for the experiences and the connections made during this memorable adventure, and I look forward to witnessing the continued progress and success of the college in the years to come. Moving forward, it is imperative that we continue to support and recognize the tireless efforts of organizations like NAAC. By upholding the highest standards and promoting a culture of excellence, we can ensure that students receive a quality education that empowers them to thrive in an ever-evolving world.