Since early days, education has served as a welcome tool which helped in building inert capacity, in turn, enabling us to lead a higher quality of life. And as days passed education evolved and so did we, and what is required from education changed drastically as well. Today education, especially higher education opens portals of opportunities to both rural and urban populations and guides people to come together towards a common cause of giving back to society.
India, renowned globally as a hub of educated individuals, has always prioritized quality over quantity in its educational vision. Institutions like NPR College of Engineering & Technology exemplify this commitment to quality, emerging as beacons of excellence and nurturing tomorrow’s tech leaders.
Thanks to the dedication and hard work of its management, NPR College of Engineering & Technology has been recognized as a key player among Tamil Nadu’s Leading 25 Educational Institutions of 2024.
NPR College of Engineering & Technology in a Nutshell
Established in 2008 by Titan Educational Trust with a clear aim of uplifting the rural students to excel in the field of Engineering and Technology, the tech institute is approved by AICTE and affiliated with Anna University, Chennai. Eventually NPR was accredited by NAAC with an A Grade and a 3.25 CGPA in 2021 and received Autonomous status in 2023.
Offering a truly conducive environment for women, the male to female ratio is around 40%. Furthermore, the institution has an appealing infrastructure with air-conditioned seminar halls, smart classrooms in each department, a digital library, and Wi-Fi enabled campus. Students get the best of both worlds due to the elaborate amenities and facilities available on the campus, including various club activities, sports, and games, especially cricket.
The college currently offers seven undergraduate courses in engineering, one postgraduate course each in engineering and management studies, and a Ph.D. research program in the Faculty of Information and Communication Engineering. The CSE, EEE, ECE, and Mechanical Engineering programs are NBA accredited. NPR College is a life member of several professional bodies, including ICI, ISTE, SAE, IETE, and CSI.
Honored as a green campus, NPR College received the IGEN Award and the JAL SAKTHI Award for Clean and Smart Campus by AICTE in 2019. Certified with ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, the institution aims to meet the needs and expectations of students, leading to better learning outcomes supported by dedicated faculty members, and catering to the demands of global industries.
A Hub of Excellence and Innovation in Engineering Education
To provide our readers with in-depth insights into NPR College of Engineering & Technology, we interviewed Dr. B. Maruthukannan, the Principal of the engineering college, and discussed various aspects of its operations and future plans. He began with an overview of NPR, stating, “The college is situated between Madurai and Dindigul in Tamil Nadu, about 35 kilometers from Madurai and 25 kilometers from Dindigul. The area is developing, with a significant background in agriculture and coconut-related businesses, and our institution was founded by individuals from this land who wanted to give back to the society they came from.”
Focusing on the fact that the locality on which the college stands is an underserved area, the principal shares – “Even after two decades, around 40% of our students are first-generation graduates, thus striving on our founding principle to have at least one professional in every home”. “We’ve realized about 50% of this vision so far, but there is still a lot of work to be done”, Mr. Kannan exclaims.
Truly Local, but soon to be Global
As the principal already mentioned about the college being true to its land, it is indeed evident, as 70% of the students come from within a 20-km radius. But this doesn’t mean NPR hasn’t spread its wings across the state yet, as the college is slowly welcoming students from other districts and even from Kerala, who are dominant in the nursing program. Being Known for its discipline and infrastructure has resulted in attracting students from farther away, and also not to forget the philanthropic support provided, ensuring that education remains affordable for all.
Elaborating on the affordability aspect of NPR, Mr. Kannan shares – “Concern with cost is significant at our tech institute, particularly for first generation learners,” “Our fees structure is always within the government set rates, and the fees is generally affordable, while the management of the institution is quite sensitive to the financial situation of its students; hence they accommodate many scholarships granted either by the government and the college to learners who excel in”.
A Haven of Comprehensive Support and Development
NPR College of Engineering & Technology features Centers of Excellence in CISCO, IoT/Embedded Systems Laboratory, Industrial Automation, and Advanced Manufacturing Process Laboratory. The institution is home to a vibrant array of support and development cells, including a Training & Placement Cell, Career Guidance Cell, Women’s Development Cell, Men’s Development Cell, Industry-Institute Interaction Cell, Internal Quality Assurance Cell and Intellectual Property Rights Cell.
In terms of the research emphasis laid, NPR boasts a dedicated R & D Cell which operates completely as a cross-departmental venture. And the center is supported by an IPR Cell and a startup cell, helping students turn their ideas into products and startups. NPR also houses an Atal Tinkering Lab for first-year students and school visitors. “Our R&D center is open 24/7, providing students with the resources they need to innovate and succeed”, shared Mr. Kannan, the principal of the tech institute.
The college offers several unique programs such as HR Connects, Industry Connects, and Alumni Connects, organized by students to bridge the gap between academia and industry. Additionally, NPR College hosts numerous motivational programs featuring well-known personalities from various fields. The institution conducts social connect programs for local school students, providing career guidance and cultural activities, and keeping its laboratories open to certain schools, offering hands-on experience in fields like robotics.
Fostering Student Success and Entrepreneurial Growth
NPR College of Engineering & Technology categorizes its students into three main groups: those pursuing higher studies, those who marry soon after graduation, and those seeking employment. While the percentage of students continuing their education is relatively low, the college is actively working to foster a culture that encourages higher studies. For female students, the college actively works with families to support their decision to work for at least two years before marriage. Among students seeking jobs, NPR College ensures that at least 90% secure employment and provides support to those who have not completed their degrees through various schemes.
The college is also focused on enhancing entrepreneurship and startup initiatives. Currently, NPR College has three successful startups with another six in development, aiming to establish at least five new startups each year, including at least one led by a woman. To support these efforts, the college has established an Innovation Club and an Incubation Center, and is seeing gradual progress in these areas.
Principal Dr. B. Maruthukannan: Leading Growth and Innovation at NPR
Dr. B. Maruthukannan joined NPR College of Engineering & Technology as Principal in 2016. After a brief hiatus from 2019 to 2023, he returned to continue his role. During his tenure, he has witnessed significant changes, including a strengthened alumni network and the emergence of second-generation students from the same families. There is now a greater awareness among students and parents about various engineering disciplines; for example, they increasingly inquire about AI, ML, and other specializations, reflecting a heightened level of awareness and education. Under his leadership, the college has also developed an international-standard cricket ground that hosts Tamil Nadu Premier League matches and other major events, offering students unique social and motivational experiences.
