Mr. Ashish Nigam is the Dean of Academics and the Principal of Naraina Polytechnic Institute. He holds a B.Tech. and an M.Tech. from HBTI Kanpur. With over 22 years of experience, he initially started working as a Senior Lecturer at SRRT Mahila Polytechnic Kanpur. Mr. Nigam has been associated with the Naraina Group of Institutions since 2008 as an Associate Professor and Head of the Department of the ECE Department.

Naraina Group of Institutions

You have held a key position at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector and what attracted you to it?

One of the primary reasons for my strong connection with the education sector is my passion for contributing to the overall development of students. Additionally, the education sector offers opportunities to stay updated on the latest technological developments, which aligns with my interest in continuous learning. The noble nature of the profession, particularly the respect students have for their teachers, has been a driving force that has kept me connected to education for an extended period of time. The sense of satisfaction that comes from witnessing my students' successful careers and their contribution to creating employment opportunities for others is motivating for me.

Being the Dean Academics and Principal Polytechnic at Naraina Group of Institutions, what is your philosophy of leadership? How would you describe your leadership style?

My philosophy of leadership revolves around being strategic, inspirational, and motivational. I believe teamwork is crucial for effective leadership. My role as a leader is to inspire and push each team member to excel in their work and achieve our collective targets. I support and maintain the right balance within the organization, fostering positive interactions among management, staff, and students. Leading by example is essential, and I actively participate in the team's tasks and initiatives.

What do you think your roles and responsibilities to the University and the students are?

As a university professional, my primary responsibility is to chart a path that aligns with the institution's vision. Creating a creative and nurturing environment for both faculty and students is crucial to enhancing their knowledge and skills. I consider motivating them for research work and innovation to be my fundamental role, as it ultimately contributes to the overall growth of the university and its students.

How does the curriculum of your college ensure the best practice of industry?

Our college curriculum is designed to meet industry standards and aligns with AKTU's guidelines. To ensure the best industry practises, we foster institute-industry partnerships. Throughout the year, we organize various events, such as industry visits, expert lectures, and training programs. These initiatives provide our students with hands-on experience and awareness of the latest industry practises. The dedicated Industry-Institute Cell oversees and organizes these programs to benefit the students' professional development.

What would you like the students to know about Naraina Group of Institutions which they may not know?

At Naraina Group of Institutions, we prioritize hands-on practise and exposure alongside theoretical knowledge. We encourage students to work with the latest technologies and industry standards. Our institution is proud of the numerous research papers published by our students each year. We provide extensive support and guidance for start-up ideas through our on-campus incubation center. We aim to create an environment that nurtures students' dreams and aspirations.

What do you see as Naraina College’s greatest strengths?

Naraina College takes pride in preparing future engineers and doctors. We have modern infrastructure, well-equipped labs, and highly qualified faculty across various disciplines. Our dedicated faculty members ensure that students are up-to-date with industry standards and gain practical knowledge. The on-campus incubation center supports students' start-up ideas. We prioritize students' overall development and offer excellent placement opportunities with reputed companies like Infosys, HCL, Capgemini, etc. Our campus provides a lush green environment, well-managed hostel facilities, 24x7 electricity, and Wi-Fi access. We also offer a well-equipped cafeteria, gymnasium, and sports facilities for students' physical and mental well-being.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

To the current youth and aspiring students, I advise embracing a diverse set of skills to succeed in today's rapidly changing world. While academics are essential, developing skills such as adaptability and teamwork will greatly contribute to your success in both your professional and personal lives. Learn from your mistakes, stay focused on your passions, and believe that with dedication and passion, you can achieve anything you set your mind to. No goal is beyond your reach if you stay committed to your aspirations.