The CEO of Dona International Institute of Assam, Ar. Saahil Das has an extensive resume. He holds a Master's in Architecture from Savannah College of Arts & Design, Savannah GA, USA, a Master’s in Construction Management from North Dakota State University, Fargo ND, USA and a Bachelor of Architecture from Sir J.J College of Architecture, Mumbai. 

Mr Das has worked at enriching architecture experience in architecture firms in USA & India. He is committed to promoting and expanding architectural education especially in the North East Region to fulfill the scarcity of trained architects and town planners. 

Besides leading the institute in providing students with a holistic experience by inviting architects pan India he also organizes seminars, workshops, and related activities. He has also initiated the introduction of numerous design courses at the Dona International Institute of Assam. 

Dona International Institute of Assam

How do you tend to establish healthy relations with the students and fellow faculty?

The Dona International Institute of Assam we have established several different committees and cells whose function is to ensure the smooth functioning of our college practices. As the CEO, I also participate actively and interact with fellow students and faculty members to create a harmonious environment where we can work collectively for our individual as well as collective growth. It is essential to have an open line of communication that will open the doors to mutual respect and strong relationships among all college stakeholders.

How do you try to bring in a practical approach towards subjects and make it industry oriented?

As a Design professional, my goal at the institute is to introduce the students to latest developments in the industry. To achieve this, we hold numerous skill-enhancing and learner-centric courses along with regular curriculum courses. Through these courses, students get to learn the practical applications of their knowledge in real world situations. This bridges a gap in the textbook information and practical applications and also makes the students industry ready.

What are the best practices offered by the department to the students which help them gain necessary skills?

The Dona International Institute of Assam places an equal emphasis is laid on theoretical and practical knowledge because we believe practice is the key to perfecting a skill. We hold workshops, internships and expert interaction sessions that allow students to dip their feet in the working atmosphere. Our students take part in design competitions, seminars, and conferences and also get guidance from our team of experienced faculty. The skills they develop through these workshops are valuable to meet the rising demanding of the design industry at present.

How do you strategize the curriculum and how often it gets updated to make it befitting for the students?

There is a saying that goes as, “Old order change, yielding place to new”. We follow this principle and keep our curriculum updated with the latest trends and research. This is done to teach and prepare our students to be industry ready according to the present-day scenario with the right knowledge and skills. Artificial Intelligence, Personality development, communication skills, and ropes of strategic design are an integral part of our curriculum. We also have developments in the design industry that is communicated to the students so that they can compete effectively in the Industry.

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What are your views upon the placements and higher education about the students from your department or How does your department prepare students for Higher education?

The design industry is dynamic and constantly evolving. Every day there are new practices and policies being introduced. Our department guarantees and prepares the students for higher education and placements by providing requisite training and skills so that the students can the best prospects in future. We also provide opportunities that allow students to find employment with the highest earned salary package in the northeast and pan India.

How do you help your student to cope up with the competition being so high in the outside world?

We encourage our students to actively participate in the classroom, to have a strong theoretical base and be skilled in practical skills. We also have several extra-curricular activities that ensure the holistic development of students in an era of cutthroat competition among design students in the present industrial scenario. We also have a competent Training and Placement cell to prepare students for the interviews and subsequent career paths. The students are regularly sent for training and industrial visits in different semesters towards this end.

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

We understand that extracurriculars are important for students to supplement a well-rounded education. Among our list of extracurriculars, our sports, cultural and social committees organize various practical events on a departmental level. These events help students to enhance and discover new skills to face real-world challenges. Our graduates are better prepared and bound to take up the design and creative knowledge-based challenges in the future solely because of their experience in participating in department events. They develop analytical and critical thinking skills along with communication skills.

What are the challenges you faced/ are facing to uplift the quality of education of your department?

Being a new institute, we have faced and overcame several challenges during our journey. One of the biggest challenges was in providing an equal educational experience to students from varied backgrounds. Our incoming students from Science, Arts and Commerce. It was a task to effectively teach concepts at a level and language that was understandable by the class.