The overview for the need of such an interaction was given by Dr S Prasanna Kumar, Advisor, FPSI. He emphasized that in the present scenario of mismatch between graduated students and job availability, the syllabi for electives like Fluid Power has to be redrawn to give better acceptability by the industry, which may improve placement ratio.
Prof. Emeritus Dr Singaperumal gave a detailed status report of the fluid power curriculum in Indian Universities. It was an exhaustive treatment of the present state as well as suggestions for future program models. The suggestion included moving up the value chain by offering Masters Program in Fluid power as well as setting up dedicated institute for fluid power on the lines of triple IIITs.
Professor Khalil presented the details of the curriculum as well as laboratory set up to pursue the Fluid power courses in MSOE, USA. He emphasized on the training of the instructors as the first step, followed by hands on experiments in the laboratory and then taking up assignments from industries.
In the session, five colleges presented their experience in teaching the fluid power curriculum as well as setting up laboratory for demonstration of the concepts. Some of the colleges indicated their experience in assigning project works in the fluid power field. Some of the constraints like lack of training for academic staff, support from industry experts as well as necessary funding were touched upon.
The interaction is just the beginning. It has to be carried forward for further mutual tripartite discussions between academia, industry and FPSI as the facilitator. This will be attempted before the end of this calendar/academic year, by inviting suitable convenient dates and matter to be discussed.
