Dr. K Channakeshavalu is the Principal of East West Institute of Technology. He completed his Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) from Mysore University in Mechanical Engineering in 1985, his Master of Engineering from Bangalore University in 1993 and his PhD in the area of Metal Matrix Composite from Bangalore University. So far, he has guided four PhD scholars to successful awards of Doctoral programmes from the prestigious Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU), Belagavi.

Dr. K Channakeshavalu has published and presented over 30 research papers and articles in various nationally and internationally reputed journals and conferences. Not only has he received research grants for projects from various funding agencies, but he has also worked in various capacities as a Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor, Head of the department, Vice Principal, and Principal at various prestigious institutions across the state. His dedication and passion towards higher education were well recognised and he was nominated as an Academic Senate member at VTU and a Member of various committees at VTU Belagavi, which include Member of the Board of Examiners, the Board of Studies, and the Staff Selection Committee in various universities.

Dr. K Channakeshavalu is currently working as Principal and Director at East West Institute of Technology, Bangalore, and has been in the position for the last 13 years. In his illustrious career of nearly four decades, he has been a motivator, leader, and visionary in higher education in Engineering, Management, Technology, and Research.

EAST WEST INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY [EWIT]

You have held key positions at education institutes throughout your professional career. What are the key factors that keep you connected with the education sector? 

For individuals who hold key positions in educational institutions, there are indeed several key factors that can contribute to their continued connection and commitment to the education sector. Teaching is not just a noble profession, but a means of providing service to society, creating a lasting impact on future generations through collaboration, fostering personal growth, and embracing continuous learning.

Being the Principal of EWIT college, how do you strategize about the key programs and plans for the marketing and administration of your Institute? 

Creating a well-rounded strategy for marketing and administration is crucial to ensure the institution's success. I approach the key programs and plans by creating a harmonic environment, using effective teaching learning processes, providing skill development programs, providing placements in reputed companies and using efficient administration strategies.

How does the curriculum of EWIT College ensure the best practice of industry? 

The curriculum of EWIT College is designed to incorporate the best practices of the industry, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their careers 

Any insights into how your college could be more welcoming to students of different races or economic backgrounds? 

Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for students of different races and economic backgrounds is essential to foster diversity and promote a sense of belonging within the college community. Creating a diverse and welcoming educational environment involves implementing inclusive policies and practices, fostering cultural awareness through supportive mentorship and multicultural clubs, and providing access to campus facilities and resources that celebrate and support students from all backgrounds.

What would you like people to know about your college they may not know? 

The institute has been accredited by NAAC. We are approved by AICTE, New Delhi, and Visvesvaraya Technological University, Belagavi, and are recognized under Sections 2 (f) and 12 (B) of the UGC Act, 1956. The institute is recognized by the Government of Karnataka, the IIC (Institution’s Innovation Council), and ARIIA (Atal Rankings Of Institutions on Innovation Achievements). To enrich student’s employability skills, the institute established the Ravikiran Centre of Excellence in collaboration with global partners. The institution also regularly conducts seminars, workshops, hands-on training, conferences, pre-placement training, HR conclaves, project competitions, design competitions, quizzes, and industrial visits for the overall development and up-gradation of knowledge for the students and the staff.

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What do you see as EWIT college’s greatest strengths? 

The institute has excellent infrastructure, with ample built-up area and a spacious playground. We also have state-of-the-art facilities to facilitate teaching, learning, and research. Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) has recognized eight research centers and signed MOUs with Industries to bridge the gap between industry and academia. The Institution Innovation Council (EWIT-IIC) and Incubation Centre were established in association with the Minister of Education (MOE). The institution is situated in a prominent locality in the city of Bangalore with good access to public transportation.

The East West Institute of Technology (EWIT) stands out for its excellent infrastructure, robust industry partnerships, pioneering research initiatives, unwavering commitment to student support, and dedication to holistic development. With a well-qualified faculty at its core, EWIT fosters a culture of learning, while encouraging active participation in curricular and extracurricular activities. The thriving alumni network attests to the quality of education provided, and the institute's comprehensive placement training ensures that students are well-prepared for successful careers.

What are some of the biggest challenges you see, both for higher education in general and for EWIT college specifically? 

Competing with autonomous and deemed universities that have academic flexibility can indeed be a challenge for traditional colleges. Autonomous and deemed universities often have more flexibility in designing their curriculum, offering specialized programs, and making quick decisions to adapt to changing educational trends.

Any suggestions you would like to give to the current youth and the aspiring students?

To achieve success and personal fulfillment, aspiring students should set clear goals, eagerly embrace the joy of learning, fearlessly explore diverse interests, diligently develop vital soft skills, stay endlessly curious about the world, proactively network to build valuable connections, seek guidance from mentors for informed decisions, maintain a healthy balance between work and play, resiliently face challenges, embrace change as a constant, meticulously plan for a promising future, and above all, dare to dream big and reach for the stars.

What are some plans that you’re currently (or will be) designing for EWIT college international affairs and/or students? 

The institute offers a truly global educational experience through its international exchange programs, enriching cultural events and workshops, extensive global research collaborations, dedicated international student support services, opportunities for scholarships and financial aid, impactful global awareness campaigns, and a well-established alumni network abroad. 

What is the rate of admissions in your college? Has it increased from last year? 

The admission rate at our college stands at 80%, out of an intake of 1178 students. This figure reflects the proportion of applicants who were accepted into the program for the given intake.

Do you have any extra-curricular activities/ programs to enhance the skills of the students or expose them to real world challenges? 

At our institution, students have the opportunity to engage in a wide range of extracurricular activities and programs, including clubs and student organizations, hackathons and competitions, mentorship programs, service learning projects, research opportunities, leadership development workshops, public speaking and debate clubs, as well as sports and arts activities, all designed to foster holistic skill development and real-world exposure.

With the competition so high, how do you guide your students to survive in such a competitive scenario? 

Encouraging a growth mindset while focusing on critical thinking and problem-solving, fostering networking and relationship building, and promoting adaptability and continuous learning are essential strategies for helping students thrive in today's competitive landscape.