Practical Engineering

The topic which I would mention today is the emphasis on practical aspects in Engineering.

Although Indian Engineers are considered to be one of the best in the world {not only IITs but also other engineering colleges} the importance given to practical exercises is very low.
An engineer works in an extremely dynamic environment. S/He has to get acquainted with the ever changing nature of the field s/he is in. One cannot rely on antediluvian techniques in the 21st century. For this reason an engineer should have an imaginative mind. An imaginative mind will exist only if one is allowed to explore different subjects of study. A fixed syllabi hinders this exploration. I am not saying that there should not be any fixed syllabi. Only some basic fundamentals must be set fixed as a course the other part may be left dynamic which changes every 2 years or so. This way the corporate may find it easy and soft on their pockets for employee recruitment.
Same thing implies in laboratory classes. Among 10-13 experiments 5 may be fixed and all students ought to complete them and the rest may be decided by the students. Of course students should in all cases avoid plagiarism. This was suggested by my friend Gaurav Soni. This sort of academics allows the student's mind to explore around the world and not get stuck between the two dimensions of a book.
My mother always gives me advice of not being like a horse, which always looks in one direction confined by its collars or whatever it is called around the head.
I personally feel an engineering course should be as dynamic as possible. Students should be encouraged to work on practical aspects of their course. There must be a strong interaction between the industry and the academic institutes as both are of equal importance in progress of any country.

I know many would disagree with my ideas but as a student these were my views of making the syllabi more interesting so that students enjoy each and every day of their graduation period.