nostalgia

I am very thankful to my alma mater. i feel lucky to have joined such an institution. i ma now retired as a professor and dean, academic from a reputed engg college in chennai and keeping myself busy coaching for gate students.

Those days there were no entrance examinations. the intake was only 100 per year. i got the admission, purely on merit, based on my grades i secured in B Sc. i stood first in my college securing distinction.

The course curriculum was very elaborate. it was a three year course. in the first year, we studies general engineering covering physics, chemistry, workshop practice, engineering drawing, electrical engg etc. from the second year, we entered in to our department, concentrating on electronics subjects, like electronic circuits, pulse circuits, digital electronics, communication engg, control systems, navigational aids, business management, radar, television etc. we had to undergo in-plant training after each year, totalling to 6 months. we had a project in the last semester.

At the end of the first year, i had undergone training in a tool shop, where i had learnt about the practical aspects of machine tools. at the end of the second year, i took training in a company manufacturing electronic electronic test and measuring instruments. after passing out, I got placed in DRDL, Hyderabad and this completed my training schedule. there was no stipend offered,

Those days, the software industries were not there in India, like the present times. The placement was mostly in the hardware industries. Students were recruited by defence, private industries like DCM etc. I got placed in DRDL. about of 30 students in our electronics branch about 5 were placed but all my colleagues got employed in Government and public sector through UPSC and other channels.

We had college day - we also had technical paper contests, which was attended by us and other colleges. We also had a open house every year, where other college students could visit us and know about us.

The fees were nominal and affordable. in those days of my college days (1969-1972), the fees per semester was as low as about a few hundred per semester. the hostel bill also would come to about a few hundred rupees

There were a lot of scholarships available, instituted by the management. Educational loans were also available. In fact i got scholarship during all the 3 years of my study, as I did very well in the academics

Those days not many girl students were taking to engg courses. In fact, in our branch there was only one girl out of 30 students. we had hostel day, which was well celebrated. those days there was no political interference.

Excellent - the rooms were shared by two of us. the rooms were well ventilated and well maintained. The mess food was excellent. very homely and hygenic. even the day scholars used to take food in our mess

Our alumni association is still very strong. we meet quite often formally and informally. we also conduct annual general body meeting. during our college days, our seniors interacted with us very freely. they helped us a lot with their books and notes. even now we have instituted scholarships through our alumni association to help our juniors

We had regular monthly exams, the marks were taken for internal assessment. At the end of the semester we had semester exams. our institute was autonomous. we also had lab exams at the end of semesters and project viva. we had to assemble a valve radio at the end of first year and a transistor radio at the end of second year

We had excellent professors and lecturers, dedicated to teaching. the practical classes were interesting. We understood the basics clearly and had a strong foundation. this has given us a lot of confidence.