Engineering is not just a degree, but a way of thinking: Former AICTE chairman
Former AICTE chairman T.G. Sitharam addressed engineering students, emphasizing that engineering is a mindset rather than just a degree. He encouraged students to focus on core fundamentals and problem-solving while integrating emerging technologies like AI into their skill sets.
Why it matters
This perspective shapes the pedagogical approach for future engineers in India, influencing how technical education adapts to the rapid rise of artificial intelligence.
T.G. Sitharam, former chairman, All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) on Sunday (August 30) said engineering education should go beyond earning a degree and equip students with strong fundamentals, problem-solving abilities, human values and a spirit of innovation.
He was addressing the Induction Programme 2026-27 for first-year BE students of Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE) in Mysuru.
Mr. Sitharam urged students to develop a strong foundation in mathematics, physics and other basic sciences and move beyond rote learning to gain conceptual clarity. Engineering, he said, is “not a degree, but a way of looking at the world”, requiring students to identify problems, think critically and develop practical solutions.
Advising students to embrace emerging technologies, he said Artificial Intelligence, data science and other digital tools should complement, rather than replace, strong knowledge of core engineering disciplines. Describing AI as “augmented intelligence”, he said it could significantly enhance human capabilities.
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