Dr. Mahendra Singh Thakur is the Head of the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at the Prestige Institute of Engineering Management and Research. He graduated from SGSITS, Indore, pursued post-graduation at IIT Bombay and completed his PhD at IIT Indore. Dr. Thakur’s research interests lie in the ddomains of nanoscale communication, molecular communication, signal processing, and machine learning. He has published research publications in various esteemed IEEE journals and transactions.

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What are the factors which keep you connected with the education sector and how has your experience so far with the institute? 

I've been very enthusiastic about technology and all the advancements in the engineering world from the beginning. This enthusiasm motivates me to spread knowledge among my students and continually update myself to deliver the same knowledge to the younger generation. My experience with this particular institute is that it has provided me with full freedom and all the necessary resources for the overall development of students. It has good infrastructure and equipment, offers various projects, and provides motivation, consultancy work, and internships for students. Additionally, it regularly organizes workshops and expert talks, both internally and externally, which greatly benefit the students. This extends beyond the institute premises, allowing for interdisciplinary projects with other departments and institutes throughout Madhya Pradesh and across India.

What are your roles and responsibilities in this institute?

I serve as the head of the Department of Electronics and Communication at the Prestige Institute of Engineering Management & Research. I've held this position for the past two and a half years, guiding the department's activities under the supervision of our senior director. Together with the faculty, we manage the department's affairs.

Which extracurricular activities are organized in your institute to enhance the skills of students? 

We believe in imparting knowledge through practical means rather than just theoretical instruction. Therefore, we conduct various hands-on workshops such as PCB design, hardware design, IoT, and embedded systems. Additionally, we host inter-college competitions and facilitate industrial visits for students to gain practical exposure. Furthermore, we arrange internships for students at prestigious national-level institutes like IITs and NITs, fostering holistic skill development.

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How do PIEMR institutes stand apart from other institutes?

PIEMR institutes stand apart from others in several ways. Our institute has a portal incubation centre that primarily focuses on nurturing startup ideas. From the first year of engineering, we motivate our students to develop their ideas that can potentially be transformed into startups, thereby creating job opportunities rather than just seeking them. Additionally, we prioritise the quality of learning. Unlike simply assigning tasks and grading based on completion, we challenge our students to apply their knowledge to practical projects that require students to demonstrate real-world applicability and innovation.

What is the top priority of your institute in the upcoming years? 

The top priorities of our institute in the coming years include advancing our learning centers to the next level. We aim to develop state-of-the-art labs, particularly focusing on emerging technologies like 6G, the next phase in communication technology. While 5G has already been launched by providers, we're gearing up for the future with a dedicated 6G Center of Excellence. Additionally, in line with the government's initiatives, we will be establishing three fab labs across India where we plan to enhance our capabilities in VLSI and chip fabrication, particularly through fabless design. Moreover, we aim to maintain our excellent placement record by focusing on core areas of expertise. Our target is to achieve 100% placement in the next few years.

Any suggestions you want to provide to the aspiring students and youth?

When choosing a field of study for your future career, focus on what truly resonates with you. Avoid selecting a career path simply because your friends or acquaintances are pursuing it. Remember, all engineering branches offer valuable opportunities. Often, students tend to gravitate towards computer science, artificial intelligence, or other related fields, overlooking the importance of electronics. Hardware serves as the foundation for software functionality; without compatible hardware, software cannot function effectively. Whether your interest lies in software or hardware, make your decision based on genuine passion rather than peer influence. These suggestions are particularly relevant for aspiring engineers seeking a future in the field of engineering.