Dr. Paruchuri Krishna Rao is the Founder and Chairman of Pragati Engineering College and of the Pragati Group of Educational Institutions. He holds an M.Sc. in Zoology, which he followed up with a PhD in Entomology. He is also the Chairman of the Ideal Institute of Technology. Previously, he was the Ex-Promoter and Ex-Director at companies like Chandra CFS and Terminal Operations Private Limited, SAR Chandra Environ Solutions Private Limited and Krisind Technologies India Private Limited.

Dr. Rao is the treasurer of Andhra Pradesh Autonomous Engineering College Association, President of Vakalapudi/Thammavaram notified Grampanchayat Industrial Area Service Society (IDA) and AP Tutorials and Convents Association from 2001 to 2004. Dr. Krishna Rao has received the Red Cross Gold Medal for his sustained support of the IRCS E.G.Dist Branch, Kakinada for the year 2016-17.

Pragati Engineering College

Can you tell us about your background and experience in higher education?

Teaching and research are my passions. After completing my PhD, in Entomology I’ve been associated with the education sector and my deep-rooted academic interest has fueled my endeavors in the field of education. As the Founder and Chairman of the Pragati Group of Educational Institutions, my knowledge and experience enabled me to establish Pragati Engineering College under the aegis of the Gayatri Educational Society in 2001 with a strong determination to provide qualitative technical education to students from remote areas. I am passionate about ensuring our institution's continued growth and success. This commitment to education and my experience have been instrumental in the growth and success of our college.

What attracted you to the role of Chairman at this Pragati Engineering College?

My dedication to promoting quality education and research in engineering has ultimately led me to become the Chairman of our esteemed engineering college. My position as chairman enables me to further my belief that education can positively impact people and society. One aspect that particularly resonates with me is the potential for continuous improvement in implementing cutting-edge research and teaching strategies and establishing an atmosphere that inspires faculty and students to explore the boundaries of knowledge. My mission is to make sure that our students are equipped to face the challenges of the contemporary world, in addition to receiving an excellent education. I am excited about the possibilities and challenges this position offers and am fully committed to driving the college's success and growth.

What do you believe are the key challenges facing higher education today, and how do you plan to address them in your role as Chairman?

The key challenges faced by higher education today are multifaceted. One of the primary concerns is adapting to rapidly evolving technological advancements and their integration into education. As a Chairman, I plan to address this by ensuring our curriculum remains up-to-date, incorporating emerging technologies and interdisciplinary learning. Another challenge is the need for practical and hands-on experience. We intend to strengthen industry collaborations and internships, providing students with real-world exposure. Focusing on these areas will help us prepare our students for the dynamic demands of the engineering landscape while ensuring inclusivity and quality education. 

How do you envision your role as Chairman in supporting the mission and goals of the Pragati Engineering College?

 As Chairman, it is my responsibility to provide strategic leadership and governance in support of the mission and objectives of our college. I work closely with the leadership team, faculty, and stakeholders to ensure that our decisions, policies, and resource allocation align with our mission I want to spearhead the college in realizing its mission and leaving a lasting positive legacy on our community and beyond by promoting an environment of transparency, creativity, and inclusive excellence. Furthermore, I am committed to providing the infrastructure and resources required to fulfill our mission, whether that be through policy development, strategic planning, or fundraising. In the end, I want to enable our organization to prosper and carry on with its mission as best we can.

How do you plan to engage with students, faculty, and other stakeholders in your role as Chairman?

I believe that building and maintaining relationships with various stakeholders and government authorities is crucial. Through regular meetings, open channels of communication, and a strong presence on campus, I actively engage with our stakeholders, including students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners, to strengthen our collaborations and improve the overall educational prospects. To promote a cooperative and welcoming environment, I welcome feedback, pay attention to concerns, and take an active part in college activities.

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Can you discuss any specific initiatives or projects that you hope to implement as Chairman?

I have several key initiatives in mind. One of the immediate projects is to enhance the ecosystem of the college for innovation and research. I aim to establish research grants, encourage faculty and student research collaboration, and create partnerships with industry to promote cutting-edge projects and innovations. Furthermore, I intend to enhance the infrastructure and facilities of the college to create a conducive learning atmosphere for both our faculty and students.

How do you plan to foster a culture of collaboration and inclusivity at the Pragati Engineering College?

My objective is to establish a culture that values inclusivity and teamwork. To do this, I want to promote mentorship programs, open communication, platforms for faculty and student idea exchange, and diverse representation in decision-making processes. I want the college to be an accessible and inclusive place where management, employees, and students work well together and value perspectives from one another.

What is your experience in financial management and budgeting in higher education?

In my role as chairman of this college, I have had the opportunity to actively engage in financial management and budgeting to ensure the institution's fiscal health. This has been a crucial aspect of my responsibilities. The development and execution of annual budgets require a careful balance between allocating resources to various departments, faculty, and support services while maintaining financial sustainability. I work closely with our finance team to analyze expenses and potential cost-saving measures to optimize our financial resources. To make sure that our financial operations adhere to pertinent laws and standards, I always work to establish financial accountability and transparency through regular reporting and audits.

How do you plan to address issues of affordability and accessibility for students at the Pragati Engineering College?

To address the issues of affordability and accessibility at Pragati Engineering College, my plan includes broadening the scope of scholarship and financial aid programs, conducting a fee review, promoting open educational resources, and creating more on-campus job opportunities for students. I take continuous feedback from various stakeholders and strive to ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue quality education.

What do you see as the greatest opportunities for growth and development at the Pragati Engineering College, and how do you plan to support these efforts?

I see several significant opportunities for growth and development at our college. These include developing industry partnerships, raising the standards of education, conducting more outreach, and increasing our research projects. I intend to strategically allocate resources, support experiential learning, encourage faculty and student involvement in research, and actively engage with industry stakeholders to support these efforts. To support our growth and development initiatives, we additionally look for and work with alumni and the community at large.