Thursday, 2 October 2025

Catalysing Industry-Ready Research in Mechanical Engineering: A Transformative Journey at LNMIIT

 Catalysing Industry-Ready Research in Mechanical Engineering: A Transformative Journey at LNMIIT

 

The unwavering commitment to industry-aligned teaching, research, and meaningful engagement with students, particularly in the domains of welding, foundry, metallurgy, and manufacturing technology, has led to a transformative shift in student confidence. Through strategic mentorship and encouragement to explore start-up ventures, students now perceive mechanical engineering not merely as a discipline but as the oxygen that fuels their professional aspirations.

At the same time, industries are increasingly recognizing the capabilities of the Department of Mechanical Mechatronics Engineering at LNMIIT. The department’s proactive approach in offering practical solutions and in-house training programs has fostered meaningful collaborations and positioned LNMIIT as a trusted academic partner. 

This momentum was further strengthened through our association with the Institution of Engineers India, Rajasthan State Centre, in collaboration with the Institute of Indian Foundrymen, Jaipur Chapter. This partnership has provided a robust platform for academic and industry synergy, as well as student-led innovation. 

The reimagined approach to course delivery has redefined how students engage with experimentation. In welding, foundry, metallurgy, and manufacturing technology, the traditional concept of practical work has evolved into a gateway for research. Students now understand that a well-executed experiment can lead to a publishable outcome, bridging the gap between classroom learning and scholarly contribution. 

As a testament to this shift, eight students successfully authored, presented, and published their research at the All-India Seminar on Metallurgy in Industry: Essential Concepts and Uses, held on 30 and 31 August 2025 at Engineers Bhawan, Tonk Road, Jaipur. This achievement, under the banner of the Institution of Engineers India, Rajasthan State Centre and the Institute of Indian Foundrymen, Jaipur Chapter, reflects the growing research culture within the department. 

This evolving ecosystem of hands-on learning, research-driven inquiry, and industry collaboration is inspiring students to address national challenges with confidence and purpose. As these efforts continue to mature, LNMIIT is steadily emerging as a centre of excellence where mechanical engineering education is not only technically rigorous but also deeply aligned with the needs of industry and society. The journey ahead holds immense promise, as we remain committed to nurturing future-ready engineers who are equipped to lead, innovate, and transform.

The Curse of Greed: Humanity’s Silent Catastrophe

 The Curse of Greed: Humanity’s Silent Catastrophe


The greatest curse afflicting humanity today is not a natural disaster, a pandemic, or a technological failure; it is pure, unrelenting, and insatiable greed. This singular force has become the invisible hand that manipulates economies, corrupts leadership, and dismantles the moral fabric of societies across the globe.


World leaders continue to echo noble phrases such as “Live and let live,” “Peace is the greatest gift the Parmatma has blessed us with,” and “All disputes can be resolved peacefully.” Yet their actions betray these very ideals. These words, once sacred, now ring hollow in the corridors of power. They are recited not with conviction but with convenience, serving as rhetorical shields behind which greed flourishes unchecked.


Greed is not merely a personal vice; It is a systemic disease. It manifests in the denial of basic human rights, including housing, food, education, infrastructure, medical care, and clothing. These are denied to millions, while billions are funnelled into defence industries and the accumulation of personal wealth. It is greed that justifies the expansion of territories, the subjugation of weaker nations, and the exploitation of suffering. It is greed that turns compassion into currency and peace into propaganda.


This curse is not confined to borders. It infects institutions, corporations, and even cultural narratives. It teaches us to measure success not by service but by surplus. It rewards exploitation and punishes empathy. It replaces community with competition and humanity with hierarchy.


And yet, the irony remains. Those who speak most of peace are often the architects of conflict. Those who preach coexistence are the very ones who profit from division. The hypocrisy is not subtle. It is systemic and devastating.


The story of King Midas offers a timeless warning. His wish that everything he touched turn to gold became his undoing. He could not eat, could not embrace his loved ones, and ultimately found himself imprisoned by the very wealth he had craved. Today, those who carry the curse of greed seem blind to this lesson. They accumulate wealth that will never nourish their souls, never earn them true respect in society, and may instead bring humiliation through raids, court cases, and imprisonment. The gold they hoard becomes the chain that binds them.


If humanity is to survive, not just biologically but ethically and spiritually, it must confront this curse with courage and clarity. We must redefine progress not as accumulation but as elevation. We must teach our children that dignity is not for sale, and peace is not just a slogan. We must build systems where compassion is currency and justice is non-negotiable.


Greed may be the curse, but awareness is the antidote. And action, rooted in truth and humility, is the only path forward.


Friday, 19 September 2025

A Thoughtful Reflection on Recent Statements by Pakistan

 A Thoughtful Reflection on Recent Statements by Pakistan

It is worth asking: who has empowered Pakistan to declare that no individual Muslim nation is strong enough to confront Israel, and that only a united Islamic front can do so? Such a sweeping assertion not only lacks diplomatic prudence but also undermines the strategic autonomy and dignity of powerful Islamic nations like Egypt, Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Iran, and other nations that have long demonstrated resilience, influence, and depth in global affairs.

If Pakistan, despite its nuclear capability, chooses not to engage Israel directly, that remains its sovereign prerogative. However, projecting its own strategic limitations onto the broader Islamic world is both misleading and disrespectful. It risks diminishing the stature of nations that have consistently upheld their sovereignty and global relevance.

Statements of this nature do not foster unity or strength; they erode it. One hopes that future discourse from Pakistan will reflect greater responsibility, mutual respect, and strategic maturity, qualities essential for meaningful leadership in the Islamic world.


Sunday, 14 September 2025

Beyond Attendance: Reclaiming Purpose in the Indian Classroom

 Beyond Attendance: Reclaiming Purpose in the Indian Classroom


In many Indian universities today, a troubling pattern persists: classrooms designed for 90 students often host fewer than ten. Faculty members lament this absenteeism, blaming students and parents alike. Yet beneath this surface lies a deeper question—one that challenges the very soul of education: Why are students disengaged from the classroom?

 

The answer isn’t found in attendance registers or punitive policies. It lies in the quality of engagement, the purpose of teaching, and the identity of the teacher.

 

The Guru vs. The Teaching Employee

Within academia, two archetypes emerge:

 

  • Teaching Professionals (Gurus): These educators see teaching as a sacred calling—a Dharma. They mentor with empathy, ignite curiosity, and shape character. Their classrooms are sanctuaries of transformation.
  • Teaching Employees: For them, teaching is transactional. They fulfil hours, deliver content, and disengage. Their presence erodes the integrity of education, much like termites weakening a foundation.

 

This distinction isn’t rhetorical; it’s existential. Universities must become ecosystems that nurture Gurus and weed out Teaching Employees. Excellence demands it.

 

What Draws Students to the Classroom?

Students don’t come to class for attendance; they come for awakening. They seek:

 

  • Wisdom through inquiry
  • Mentorship that feels personal
  • Curricula that connect to real life
  • A sense of belonging and purpose

 

When faculty embody these values, attendance becomes voluntary and vibrant. When they don’t, coercion fails.

 

Blueprint for Purpose-Driven Teaching

1.     Teach with the Heart of a Parent

See every student as your own child. This shift fosters empathy, patience, and accountability. “When we teach with the heart of a parent, we shape futures with the soul of a nation-builder.”

 

2.     Cultivate Curiosity

Encourage students to ask “How?” and “Why?” Reward intellectual courage over rote correctness. Use analogies, stories, and real-world problems to spark inquiry.

 

3.     Career Stewardship

Help students find meaningful livelihoods, not just placements. Embed ethics, adaptability, and soft skills into technical training. Mentor students from underrepresented backgrounds toward mobility.

 

4.     Character Building

Infuse timeless messages into daily teaching:

 

·       Innovate or perish

·       Lead, don’t follow

·       If others can achieve, why not us?

 

5.     Curriculum with Soul

Design modules that:

 

·       Integrate historical, ethical, and environmental dimensions

·       Reflect indigenous needs, rural electrification, frugal innovation, water conservation

·       Celebrate Indian pioneers like Visvesvaraya, Kalam, and J.C. Bose

·       Use regional languages and local case studies

·       Blend engineering with philosophy, ecology, and economics

 

6.     Emotional Literacy

Recognize burnout, disengagement, and emotional distress. Create safe spaces for growth and resilience. Teach dignity in failure and strength in vulnerability.

 

7.     Community Engagement

Let learning ripple outward, into villages, industries, and public discourse. Encourage students to solve real problems, not just textbook ones.

 

8.     Legacy Through Documentation

Share your insights. Publish reflections. Create open-access resources. Leave behind not just data, but wisdom.

 

Rethinking Attendance: A Call for Reflective Accountability

If an 18-year-old is deemed mature enough to vote, they are certainly capable of deciding whether a classroom experience is worth their time. Mandatory attendance, in this light, is not a reliable measure of learning; it is, more often, a reflection of faculty engagement and relevance.

 

Rather than enforcing presence through compulsion, let voluntary attendance serve as the true litmus test of a teacher’s impact. If students consistently choose to stay away, it is not merely their lapse; it is a signal that something deeper is amiss. In such cases, institutional introspection is essential. A university committed to excellence must hold its educators to the highest standards, where accountability is not punitive but purposeful. Without a culture of honest feedback and performance-based renewal, no institution can thrive, especially one entrusted with shaping the minds and futures of a nation.

 

Conclusion: Teaching as Nation-Building

To teach is to build the conscience of a nation. It’s not about covering syllabi, it’s about uncovering souls. The nobility of teaching lies in awakening minds, shaping character, and living the Dharma of education.

 

Let us move beyond attendance. Let us reclaim purpose.

Friday, 5 September 2025

THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE OF A FACULTY: MY JOURNEY TOWARD ETHICAL TEACHING AND STUDENT EMPOWERMENT

THE PURPOSE-DRIVEN LIFE OF A FACULTY: MY JOURNEY TOWARD ETHICAL TEACHING AND STUDENT EMPOWERMENT

 

In a time when education is often reduced to metrics and modules, I believe that living a purpose-driven academic life is more important than ever. For me, being a faculty member is not just about delivering lectures—it's about shaping character, nurturing curiosity, and guiding students toward meaningful futures.

 

Teaching as Dharma, Not Just a Job

Over the years, I’ve come to see a clear distinction between two kinds of educators: the Teaching Professional (Guru) and the Teaching Employee. I strive to be the former. To me, teaching is a dharma, a sacred duty. It’s not just about fulfilling hours or covering syllabi. It’s about mentoring with empathy, engaging with curiosity, and uplifting students beyond the classroom.

 

I’ve seen how a purely transactional approach to teaching can quietly erode the integrity of our institutions. It’s like termites in a wooden frame, unseen but deeply damaging.

 

Seeing Students as My Own

I’ve always tried to see my students as I would my own children. This shift in perspective has transformed the way I teach. It fosters patience, empathy, and a deeper sense of responsibility. When I teach with the heart of a parent, I’m not just delivering content, I’m shaping lives.

 

Cultivating Curiosity: The Habit of “How & Why”

I encourage my students to ask questions—not just “What is this?” but “How does it work?” and “Why does it matter?” I believe that true education begins when students stop memorizing and start questioning. My classroom is a space where intellectual courage is celebrated more than correct answers.

 

Career Stewardship: Beyond Placement

Helping students find meaningful employment is a responsibility I take seriously. I guide them not just toward jobs, but toward careers that align with their values and strengths. For students from underrepresented backgrounds, mentorship becomes a vehicle for dignity and mobility.

 

Character Building Through Visionary Messaging

I often share messages that I hope will stay with my students long after they graduate:

  • Be the leader, not the follower
  • Innovate or perish
  • If others can achieve, why can’t we?

These aren’t just slogans, they’re principles I try to embed in every interaction.

 

Commitment to Society, Nation, and Humanity

I remind my students that their education isn’t just for personal gain, it’s a commitment to society. I link classroom content to real-world challenges and encourage community engagement. Technical excellence must serve the public good.

 

Adopting the “Giving Back” Mode

I believe in the ethic of gratitude and contribution. I encourage alumni to mentor juniors and celebrate student-led initiatives that serve local communities. Acts of service should be woven into the fabric of academic excellence.

 

Faculty as Flag Bearers of Ethics and Morality

I hold myself to the same standards I expect from my students. Upholding originality, fairness, and truth in academic practices is non-negotiable. I challenge traditions that conflict with integrity and speak truth to power, with humility and courage.

 

“A faculty member is not just a teacher, we are torchbearers of truth, sculptors of character, and stewards of possibility.”

 

Curriculum as Character Formation

Every subject I teach, whether welding metallurgy or cyber-physical design, is an opportunity to reflect on ethics, history, and societal impact. I tailor content to indigenous needs, resist the glamour of foreign textbooks, and celebrate Indian contributions to science and engineering.

 

“Curriculum must not mesmerize—it must awaken. It must not copy—it must create. It must not just inform, it must transform.”

 

Emotional Literacy and Mental Well-being

I recognize that students are not just minds to be trained, they are hearts to be understood. I try to create safe spaces for emotional growth and teach resilience in the face of failure.

 

Community Engagement and Public Advocacy

I encourage my students to apply their learning to real-world challenges and participate in national conversations on ethical engineering and sustainability. Education must ripple outward, into villages, industries, and public discourse.

 

Legacy Through Documentation and Sharing

I believe that our impact multiplies when we share our insights. I publish reflections, create open-access resources, and strive to leave behind not just data, but wisdom.

 

Final Reflection

To live a purpose-driven life as a faculty member is to be a bridge: Between knowledge and wisdom, Between students and society, Between today’s classroom and tomorrow’s conscience.

 

It means teaching with empathy, leading with integrity, and mentoring with vision. As I often remind myself:

 

“The nobility of teaching lies not in the syllabus we cover, but in the souls we uncover.”

Sunday, 24 August 2025

GREED AND EXPLOITATION: THE FALL OF EMPIRES, A CALL TO CONSCIENCE

 GREED AND EXPLOITATION: THE FALL OF EMPIRES, A CALL TO CONSCIENCE


This is not to accuse, but to awaken. Not to condemn, but to reflect. What we witness in the United Kingdom today is not merely a political or economic downturn—it is the echo of history calling out for reckoning.

The UK, once a towering empire, now grapples with instability, cultural fragmentation, and a loss of global respect. These are not random misfortunes. They are the consequences of choices made long ago—choices rooted in greed, conquest, and exploitation.

Let us remember: the colonies were not just lands—they were homes to civilizations rich in culture, wisdom, and dignity. But in pursuit of power, the UK plundered wealth, suppressed traditions, and exploited the honesty and simplicity of millions. The cost? Far more than gold or territory. What has faded is prosperity. What has eroded is respect. What has been lost is the soul of a nation.

And so, we must say it plainly: Greed is the root of ruin. There is no virtue in crying over spilled milk. The past cannot be undone—but the future can be reclaimed.

Let this be an eye-opener for other nations walking a similar path. The United States, China, and others must take heed. Exploitation may bring short-term gain, but it invites long-term decay. The clock is ticking, and history is watching.

If we do not rise to the occasion now, the doomsday of moral collapse will not be a distant threat—it will be a lived reality.

Let us choose a different path. A path of integrity, empathy, and ethical stewardship. Let us build nations not on the backs of the vulnerable, but on the strength of shared humanity.

The time to awaken is now. The time to lead with conscience is now. The time to rewrite history—not with conquest, but with compassion—is now.


Wednesday, 30 July 2025

ENDING THE MENACE OF VOTE BANK POLITICS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY

ENDING THE MENACE OF VOTE BANK POLITICS: A CALL TO ACTION FOR DEMOCRATIC INTEGRITY

 

Vote bank politics is eroding the moral and constitutional fabric of the nation

The use of religion, caste, region, and freebies to court electoral favour undermines the essence of fair representation. If not addressed promptly, these tactics may take the country further down a dangerous path.

 

It’s time for bold and thoughtful reforms—before the consequences become irreversible.

 

A Unified Plea to Constitutional Authorities

We respectfully appeal to Parliamentarians, the Judiciary, and the Election Commission of India to come together and design a future-ready electoral framework. This framework must be resilient against divisive tactics and guided by the values enshrined in the Constitution.

 

At the same time, it is essential to acknowledge a growing challenge: the increasing presence of individuals in public office who may not be adequately equipped, educationally or ethically, for the sacred responsibility of nation-building. Many enter the system propelled not by public service, but by personal ambition and social influence. While each citizen deserves the right to contest elections, the integrity of Parliament must not be compromised.

 

This dilemma calls for a structural solution, not a personal indictment.

 

Reinforcing Democratic Safeguards

Democracy cannot be allowed to decentralise into a stage for unchecked populism or manipulation. Anyone who deliberately incites public sentiment, issues mass dictates, or exploits identity-based fault lines must face lifetime disqualification from public office. Such actions should be met with strong legal consequences, including charges of sedition and rigorous imprisonment.

 

The system should favour leaders of character, not merely those with charisma, capital, or connections.

 

Candidate Evaluation: Raising the Bar

The Election Commission may consider implementing an eligibility and aptitude assessment for prospective parliamentarians. Suggested topics could include:

  • Understanding the Constitution and its democratic ethos
  • Awareness of Social Equality and Human Rights
  • Knowledge of the Uniform Civil Code and Secularism
  • Concept of Nationalism and National Unity
  • Fundamentals of Law & Order and Rule of Law
  • Egoless Public Service and Respectful Conduct
  • Cognitive and Emotional Fitness for Leadership

 

Minimum Preconditions for Contesting Elections

           ·       Educational Qualification: Minimum graduation from a recognized institution

           ·      Transparent Financial Vetting: Candidates’ wealth declarations must be vetted by the Income              Tax and Enforcement Directorate to prevent misuse of black or ill-gotten money

           ·      Accountability Clause: Any proven falsification or misrepresentation should result in                            immediate removal from all public positions, including elected seats

 

For the Nation, It’s Time to Stand Firm

Democracy thrives not by allowing anyone to rule, but by empowering those willing to serve. A nation’s strength is measured by the character of its leaders, and systems must evolve to reflect this truth.

 

Let us work together to build a robust, fair, and principled democratic structure, one that rewards integrity, not opportunism.

 

Monday, 28 July 2025

From Darkness to Dawn: A Journey of Renewal

 From Darkness to Dawn: A Journey of Renewal


As we reflect on our societal landscape, certain persistent imbalances continue to hinder our progress, not due to lack of talent or ambition, but because of systemic patterns that place form above substance.

Our nation is burdened by troubling tendencies:

  1. Prioritizing quantity over genuine quality
  2. Preferring connections over capability - be it in politics, administration, or public life
  3. Allowing influence and wealth to override integrity
  4. Favouring regional loyalties above national unity
  5. Letting religious bias cloud merit
  6. Valuing language over inclusivity
  7. Permitting caste identity to eclipse equal opportunity
  8. Declaring accountability, but seldom enforcing it

These ingrained forces, silent yet powerful, work like unseen giants, subtly shaping outcomes and decisions. Their collective impact can feel more frightening than any fictional monster, Frankenstein, because they do not wear a face; they are woven into structures.

We stand at a crossroads: either accept silently or choose purposefully to steer change. The path forward lies in a collective vow - a promise to uphold merit, ethics, and fairness. To strive for a society where the Human Development Index (HDI) is not just a statistic, but a reflection of real dignity and opportunity.

True reform doesn’t begin in policy alone; it begins in consciousness. Let each of us light that spark.


Saturday, 19 July 2025

The experience of travelling on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway

 The experience of travelling on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway 


(Beyond the Fast Lane: Hidden Costs of a National Expressway)


There is growing concern over the condition and management of several national highway projects, particularly the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway, which was envisioned as a symbol of infrastructure excellence but now increasingly resembles a logistical and economic burden for commuters. Despite its promise, the expressway is marred by inconsistent road quality, frequent repair patches, and malfunctioning or poorly maintained signage. The issues that not only disrupt travel but also leave a negative impression on visiting foreign tourists.


Adding to commuter frustration is the toll tax system, which remains active even on stretches under repair, defying logical policy expectations. This has invited questions about transparency and accountability in toll administration. Furthermore, heavy rental charges levied on roadside eateries and food courts are indirectly borne by passengers through inflated prices, making basic amenities less affordable for common citizens.


The cumulative impact of these shortcomings, ranging from infrastructure lapses to economic pressure, risks eroding public trust. It’s crucial that leadership reassesses the broader consequences of such decisions, not just in terms of service delivery but also in preserving the party’s image and voter confidence. Citizens are seeking resolution, not rhetoric, relief, not rationalization.


When infrastructure policies begin to feel like penalties, it’s time for governance to take a closer look.


Strengthening the National Fabric Through Legislative Vigilance

 Strengthening the National Fabric Through Legislative Vigilance


To preserve the integrity and unity of our nation, it is imperative that both the Government and responsible citizens act decisively in addressing actions that threaten social cohesion. The following issues continue to challenge our shared sense of belonging:

  • Racial and ethnic discrimination
  • Linguistic divisions and intolerance
  • Religious polarization
  • Caste-based exclusion or bias
  • Hate speech aimed at inciting unrest
  • Statements or activities that undermine national interest
  • Any other factors that disrupt peace, public order, or the collective conscience of the society

India’s rich diversity is not just its strength; it is its soul. However, recent events, including targeted linguistic discrimination in Maharashtra, have exposed gaps between our constitutional ideals and ground realities. Such incidents run counter to the values that leaders like Shri Bal Thackeray once upheld in safeguarding all communities with equal dignity.

If legal provisions already exist to curb these threats, they must be invoked with urgency and clarity. If they do not, then an ordinance or new legislation must be introduced without delay. Preventing such divisive rhetoric in its early stages, before it manifests and spreads, is essential to safeguarding national unity.

This protection must apply equally to all citizens, irrespective of profession, region, or social standing. Accountability must be consistent and immune to “ifs and buts.”

When political discourse is laced with hate speech to foster vote-bank politics, it not only erodes democratic ethics but also seeds long-term societal discord. The Election Commission of India, as a constitutional guardian, is urged to review and enforce mechanisms that debar individuals who use divisive language to polarize voters.

If not now, then when? The time to act is not after the wound is deep; it is when the first bruise appears.

Let us move forward with laws and leadership that foster respect, inclusivity, and patriotism, and allow future generations to inherit a society that celebrates its pluralism without fear or fragmentation.