Currently a Ph.D. Research Scholar in the Department of Electronics and Tele-Communication at NIT Agartala, Rajeev Kumar holds 10 years of profound teaching experience prior to his quest for higher education. In an exclusive interview with Sthitaprajnya Panigrahi, Correspondent, Higher Education Review magazine, Rajiv Kumar speaks out about his tremendous journey through the various phases of the learning curve.
1. Tell us about your professional journey so far?
After completing my B.Tech degree from BPUT, my passion for teaching inspired me to join as an asst. professor at first in CET, Bhubaneswar and then in Gandhi Institute of Technological Advancement (GITA), Bhubaneswar. Teaching and learning go hand in hand for me as I obtained my master’s degree concurrently while working as an asst. Professor. As I wanted to pursue my PhD unperturbedly, I joined NIT Agartala as a research scholar in Electronics and Telecommunication. My intention to liberate knowledge to my students at a more competent level motivated me to go for higher education. Technically it can be said professional, but this journey of learning and teaching is the passion of my life and therefore is a lot more personal to me. This journey has been an integral part of my life and contains ample of emotions with all my students and teachers who teach me the real values of life.
2. How will you describe your journey from an educator to a learner? What changes you are currently witnessing in the education sector?
The journey from an educator to a learner is quite interesting and full of ups and downs. Honestly saying I never feel as an educator but quite contented to be a learner. There are so many things that are changed in the present scenario for students especially in the technical and engineering field. The most important thing is that nowadays topics are not limited or confined to specific sources but rather they are diversified owing to the advancement of technology and digitization. Now the students have access to many learning platforms along with a chance to interact with the intellectuals which gives them a profound grasp over knowledge.
3. Why you became interested in pursuing higher education? What motivated you to opt for research and a Ph.D. Program?
The basic interest of joining higher education is to enhance the boundary of my knowledge especially in the field of application. I learn the various current trends and techniques of electronics and communication engineering in order to share with my students in the future. PhD is the appropriate platform to learn and execute the current research techniques of a certain topic in various fields of engineering applications.
4. What are the programs you are currently pursuing at NIT Agartala? What are the various unique benefits assured by the institution to the students in the field of research and development?
I am working as a research scholar in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at NIT Agartala. My research area is to design and develop fractal geometry-based wideband and multiband antennas for various fields of wireless applications. Nit Agartala is having a well-equipped antenna design lab with all kinds of facilities for designing, simulation, fabrication and testing purposes. The teachers are very friendly in terms of sharing knowledge and supervision.
5. Tell us about the student-teacher relationship at NIT Agartala. How are the teaching professionals ensuring optimum guidance and support to the students?
Teachers are very helpful and friendly and committed to individual students. As a Ph.D. scholar, I have received their undivided attention and guidance, particularly in the research field. They shared their optimum knowledge and experience with the students/research scholars to get the desired output from them. Equipped with contemporary knowledge which helps the students to establish a definite relation between the theory and practical knowledge the faculties of NIT Agartala enrich their students with industry-relevant skills. We are encouraged to participate in conferences and international journals to highlight our research through which more and more students can be benefitted.
6. How was the impact of your teachers in your life? Share some unforgettable moments with your teachers that you cherish even today.
My parents and my teachers have a huge impact on my life and because of their blessings I have come along a long way. I was always fascinated with the dedication of our teachers towards our study which motivated me to emerge as a teacher in profession. Although my humble intentions forbid me to compare my efficiency with my teachers but I try to see myself as a reflection of them in the future.
7. What message do you want to convey to the young minds who want to opt for Ph.D. and research programs?
For research scholars, it is required to be focused, calm and quiet. As the research scholars are the strength of edification and will define the standard of Indian education in the near future they need to be concentrated, hardworking and patient.
