One-on-one with Dr. G. Thilagavathi, Professor & Head, PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore
Dr. G. Thilagavathi’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance. Born in a village near Karur, a small town in Tamil Nadu, she emerged from a humble background to become one of the most distinguished academicians in the field of textile technology.
Reflecting on her journey in an exclusive interview, Dr. Thilagavathi, HOD, Department of Textile Technology, PSG College of Technology (PSG Tech), reminisced, “I come from a family of farmers, and my upbringing instilled in me a strong work ethic and a thirst for knowledge.” Her academic journey began in Karur, where she excelled in her studies and earned a talent merit scholarship, a government initiative recognizing her exceptional abilities. Topping the charts in Trichy district, her potential shone brightly. Recognizing the importance of quality education, her father made the decision to move her to Coimbatore, a city renowned for its educational opportunities. “Subsequently I studied in PSGR Krishnammal School from 9th to 12th standard,” she added.
Despite her eventual success and significant contributions to the field of textiles, readers may find it surprising to learn that Dr. Thilagavathi’s initial career choice was not textiles. In a candid revelation, she disclosed, “During those days, one had to get through rigorous entrance tests to secure admissions in engineering and medicine. Initially, I was drawn towards the field of medicine.” However, fate had other plans, and she narrowly missed the mark for medical school by a whisker. Reflecting on those pivotal moments, she recalled, “During that time, engineering courses were allocated by the Director of Technical Education based on our preferences listed in the application. My primary choice was Electronics & Communications Engineering (ECE), with Textile Technology as my secondary option.” This twist of fate led her down a path that ultimately shaped her into the distinguished figure she is today in the realm of textile technology.
Destiny beckons
“Call it destiny or any other name,” Dr. Thilagavathi reflected, “but I was assigned Textile Technology at PSG Tech.” From that moment onward, there was no turning back. As she immersed herself in her new field, a series of serendipitous events unfolded, gradually aligning the pieces of her journey. Recalling a pivotal juncture, she recounted, “Even after enrolling in Textile Technology, I approached the management with a request to transfer to ECE. Surprisingly, they entertained the possibility.” However, after attending classes in Textile Technology for about a month, she found herself becoming acclimated to the faculty and coursework. A senior professor’s advice resonated deeply with her: “Whichever stream you study, you need to excel.” This sage counsel clarified her path, prompting her to commit wholeheartedly to Textile Technology, setting the stage for her remarkable achievements in the field.
Unwavering commitment
Dr. Thilagavathi’s journey after completing her B.Tech in 1990 exemplifies her dedication and passion for Textile Technology. Following her outstanding performance as one of the top students, she got married. Despite the demands of her personal life, her commitment to her field remained unwavering.
Starting as a teaching assistant, she quickly realized her fervor for Textile Technology and pursued her M.Tech at PSG Tech. Reflecting on her selection for the course, she remarked, “I was among the 6 selected through the employment exchange, and notably, the sole female among them. At the time, there were very few women in this field, but I saw it as an opportunity. Perhaps, being one of the few females in textiles made me stand out.”
Joining PSG Tech as a lecturer, Dr. Thilagavathi’s dedication and performance led to her swift promotion to Assistant Professor within a remarkable 7-year span. As she assumed the role of Head of Department (HOD) in 2010, she emphasized the collaborative efforts of her team and their relentless work ethic. “We worked tirelessly, never watching the clock,” she recalled.
Her pursuit of academic excellence culminated in the completion of her PhD in 2002. Subsequently, she actively engaged in project applications and mentoring undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD students. Under her leadership, the Textile Technology department secured over Rs. 50 crore in grants, marking a historic milestone for PSG Tech and affirming Dr. Thilagavathi’s impactful leadership in the field.
Her name is listed in the top 2% of scientists in the world by Stanford University, in the database of Elsevier, for 3 consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023).
“All this has been possible because of the unwavering support from the PSG Management and all the Managing Trustees, especially the current Managing Trustee, Dr. L. Gopalakrishnan, who has supported me in all my academic endeavors and the establishment of the Centre of Excellence, “she said before adding, “I am also fortunate for the support that I receive from my dedicated team of faculty.”
Centre of Excellence
Dr. Thilagavathi also played a pivotal role in the institution establishing a state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence in Industrial Textiles, a jewel in the crown of the college. Recounting the arduous journey toward this achievement, she remarked, “The Ministry of Textiles aimed to advance technical textiles, sparking interest from 18 colleges nationwide vying for the project. We were fortunate to secure this unique opportunity.”
Driven by determination, Dr. Thilagavathi embarked on a rigorous journey that involved frequent travels to New Delhi and Mumbai. She engaged in extensive meetings and presentations with key stakeholders, including directors, joint directors, secretaries, and commissioners. Amidst stiff competition from entrepreneur-owners of self-financing colleges, many of whom possessed profound knowledge of technical textiles, Dr. Thilagavathi and her team persevered.
Starting from scratch, they meticulously researched the intricacies of technical textiles, exploring aspects of technology, sustainability, and more. Their exhaustive proposal, compiled with comprehensive data and real-world examples, set them apart. Dr. Thilagavathi emphasized, “Our proposal was perhaps the most thorough, encompassing all facets of the project.”
The relentless dedication and hard work of Dr. Thilagavathi and her team ultimately bore fruit. Today, the Centre of Excellence stands as a beacon of pride within the institution.
Standout features
PSG Tech offers B.Tech (4 years), M.Tech (2 years) and PhD in Textile Technology. Dr. Thilagavathi elaborating on the distinctive features that elevate the Textile Technology course at PSG Tech above others highlighted, “Our program stands on par with the IITs, thanks to the Ministry of Textiles granting us Rs. 24.5 crore to establish the Centre of Excellence. This substantial funding has equipped us with state-of-the-art facilities, making us self-sufficient. Our students have access to the latest machines, eliminating the need to seek resources elsewhere.”
The department boasts a dedicated team comprising 16 faculties and 7 supporting staff, contributing to a dynamic learning environment. Dr. Thilagavathi emphasized the unique expertise of their technical staff, noting, “Our technical team is a standout feature. Most of them come with extensive industry experience, having voluntarily retired from textile mills. Their ability to operate and maintain these machines is unparalleled, providing our students with a significant advantage through hands-on guidance.”
Dr. Thilagavathi emphasized the entrepreneurial opportunities within the field, stating, “Our students can easily venture into entrepreneurship, starting small with boutique setups or merchandising units and subsequently scaling their ventures. This flexibility is a distinctive advantage of our program.”
Surmounting challenges
According to Dr. Thilagavathi, gender has never posed a barrier in her career progression. She firmly stated, “I perceive no distinction in ascending the professional ladder. Personally, I believe women exhibit a higher level of focus than men. From day one, I have actively sought opportunities to contribute to our institution’s growth.” Grateful for robust alumni backing, she highlighted their unwavering support in various endeavors, such as accreditations, guest lectures, and industry visits, alongside providing scholarships to deserving students.
Reflecting on her personal challenges, Dr. Thilagavathi acknowledged the delicate balance between work and family responsibilities. However, she expressed gratitude for her husband’s unwavering support.
Dr. Thilagavathi observed a gradual shift in societal norms, noting that over 50% of their students are now female. She emphasized the equitable opportunities available to both genders in the textile industry.
Enormous opportunities
When asked about the attractiveness of Textile Technology as a career choice compared to other engineering streams like IT, AI, and ECE, Dr. Thilagavathi responded positively. She emphasized the importance of educating students about the diverse opportunities available in different engineering fields from an early age. Dr. Thilagavathi highlighted the lack of awareness among teachers about developments in the textile industry and expressed pride in the continuous relevance of textiles in daily life, asserting, “We are engineering a product that is used 24X7.”
The department has achieved 100% placement for the last 10 years. Top companies have recruited students from the department. “The feedback on the skill sets of the students is very good,” she added.
She emphasized the abundance of opportunities within the textile industry, cautioning against being swayed by preconceived notions. Dr. Thilagavathi emphasized the multifaceted nature of the textile industry, which offers various verticals for exploration and the possibility of entrepreneurship. Describing the field as dynamic and ever-evolving, she concluded by underscoring her continuous learning journey even after three decades of involvement in the industry.
