By M.K. Prabhakar
The rapid pace set by the textile industry in the recent past has led to a gradual increase in the number of educational institutions specializing in offering courses in the field. The Textiles Ministry-promoted Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International School of Textiles & Management (SVPISTM) is among a handful of institutions catering to the growing needs for professionals in the industry.
Established in 2002, the textile school is strategically located in Coimbatore which is considered one of the key global hubs for the textile industry. With a sprawling modern campus and state-of-the-art facilities, SVPISTM offers two-year full-time PGDM in Textiles, Apparel and Retail Management.
One of the challenges faced by educational institutions in India is bridging the gap between what is taught in the classrooms and the actual industry requirement. SVPISTM can be considered a trend-setter in this area with its curriculum and initiatives to engage the industry, thereby producing ‘industry-ready’ professionals the day students pass out of the institution.
In an exclusive interview to The Textile Magazine, Dr. C. Rameskumar, Director of the institution, and Dr. S. Perumalsamy, Professor – Emeritus & Dean – Academics, gave clear insights into the various initiatives taken by SVPISTM to ensure that the students are constantly kept aware of the day-to-day developments in the industry, institution-industry interaction initiatives, and placement activities.
Excerpts from the interview:
One of the oft-repeated criticisms of college / university syllabus made in India is that they are not adequately designed to meet the industry requirements. How have you addressed this issue in SVPISTM?
Dr. Rameskumar: The right blend of theory and practical sessions with a strong faculty team is the key to success of any management institution. We strongly believe that with our comprehensive syllabus and experienced faculty, we can leave maximum impact on the future textile industry professionals. Students from different parts of the country on a single learning platform provides more opportunities for them to upgrade themselves here as compared to institutions with one region students.
In line with what we have focused on, we have formulated an exclusive Academic Committee which frames the syllabus. We have kept in mind the various unique requirements of the industry and incorporated them as part of the syllabus. Both creation of employment opportunities and instilling an entrepreneurial spirit among students are the major focus areas. We have designed the curriculum and syllabus in such a manner that theory, practical sessions and industry experience are all provided to the students to enable them to lead the industry successfully.
Dr. Perumalsamy: As part of the final semester syllabus, students need to do a project work in the industry here. This internship gives them excellent hands-on experience of the industry. Similarly, as part of the syllabus, students also need to go through several case studies that give them invaluable insights into what is happening in the industry and prepare them for their future career. The 12-week intensive internship provides students a good chance to understand and analyze the industry problems.
Since we are living in an era of globalized economies, what about international interaction?
Dr. Rameskumar: International interaction is part of the SVPISTM objective to promote quality education, R&D, consultancy and student projects. We have signed an MoU with well-known institutions such as Saxion University, Netherlands, and Technical University of Liberec of the Czech Republic, towards achievement of these objectives. In fact, we have deputed two students to the Technical University and they have deputed two of their students here. We want to have such interaction with other European and American universities as well. The modalities are being worked out, and hopefully we will see positive developments on this front very soon.
Do you also have industry experts coming here for guest lectures?
Dr. Perumalsamy: Yes, we have guest faculty or invited lectures as a regular part of our academic curriculum.
Dr. Rameskumar: We have a Student Activity Cell and a Textile Management Club, under which we conduct such lectures on a weekly basis. This apart, we also conduct HR meets with eminent personalities from various industries. In fact, it was only recently that Mr. P. Jayaram, Business Skill Lead with TCS, had come here and addressed the students.
Can you throw some light on the initiatives from the Government end when it comes to promoting such industry interaction?
Dr. Rameskumar: So far as the Central Government is concerned, the Ministry of Textiles is very proactive with upgrading this institution. The Ministry is keenly focused on developing this institution to keep it on par with the IIMs and other prestigious institutions. Hence the provision made of all the latest facilities.
We also have excellent rapport with the different Departments of the Tamil Nadu Government. For instance, the Tamil Nadu Skill Development Corporation has granted Rs. 15 lakhs for training of 120 candidates in the textile domain, where the minimum qualification requirement is Plus 2 to the graduate level. We will be providing training for the candidates for a minimum of 25 days, while also assisting them for placements too.
Similarly, the Tamil Nadu Handlooms & Textiles Department has also associated itself with us to conduct a training program for handloom weavers, as well as conduct an exhibition for them. So far we have provided training for over a month. One of the interesting things about the project is that the average age of the group consisting of about 30 dynamic handloom weavers is over 65. We have trained them on design, using computers, developing novel products, etc. The training program has been a great success, as also exhibition that was held concurrent to the training program, with the 60 stalls receiving around 60,000 visitors.
We are also the nodal agency for the District Industry Centre (DIC) of the Tamil Nadu Government. Last year this centre was bestowed the Best DIC Award for training and offering of entrepreneurial grant under the New Entrepreneurs Enterprises Skill Development Scheme (NEEDS) to train first-generation entrepreneurs. Under the scheme, we are training and certifying candidates who, in turn, are eligible to get loans from banks authorized by the State Government. This year alone about 350 first-generation entrepreneurs were trained by the institute for the DIC.
Dr. Perumalsamy: Recently, in December 2014, we had joined hands with the State Government Employment Office and conducted a private employment meet. Around 120 employers came here, so too around 2,500 candidates from Coimbatore and the surrounding areas. On the very first day itself 553 participants went back with employment offers.
Tell us about the assistance provided by industry-associations and major textile companies?
Dr. Rameskumar: We enjoy an excellent rapport with almost all industry associations such as SIMA, TEA, CII, LMW, Rieter, the Karur Exporters Association, SITRA, Palladem Hitech Weaving Park and Texvally, as well as all leading textile firms.
Do you also offer customized training programs on demand from textile industry entities?
Dr. Rameskumar: We are working out something on these lines. We will soon be offering management development, executive development and skill enhancement programs, which are customized to specific requirements. Like the Academic Staff College of Hyderabad, we want to be fully involved in nation-building and set new benchmarks in academic excellence.