1. We would to like to know your journey so far
My journey has been a blend of industry and academia, spanning 32 years. I started as a Maintenance Engineer in industries, transitioned to academia as a Mechanical Engineering Lecturer, and later took on administrative roles in Technical Education and Vocational Training.

2. Which are most fulfilling moments in Life? Or about the important events that shaped their life / career?
The most fulfilling moments include leading the transformation of ITI, achieving accreditation for NBA, and signing MoUs with industries. These milestones shaped my career, reflecting my commitment to vocational training and skill development.

3. Could you please tell us about the important experiences that shaped your life / career?
Important experiences include serving as a Deputy Controller of Examination, reforming examination processes, and successfully implementing online registration and examination systems. The challenges and achievements in ITI Cuttack were particularly impactful.

4. The projects/achievements which you feel proud of?
I take pride in establishing advanced labs, introducing AR/VR content in practical skills, setting up a STEM tinkering lab, and winning Gold Medals in India Skills during my tenure at ITI Cuttack.

5. In which domain or topic you have interest?
My research interest lies in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, specifically in Friction Stir Welding, as reflected in my PhD and published research papers.

6. Any philosophy that you adopted for subject interest?
My philosophy involves a commitment to transforming society through skill professionalism, reflected in my switch from academia to vocational training management.

7. Brief on Topic?
The topic of my interest is Friction Stir Welding, exploring its effects on temperature distribution and material flow in aluminum welds.

8. Brief on process required.
The process involves modeling the effects of tool geometries, probe profiles, and process parameters on friction-stirred aluminum welds.

9. Any best practices to follow?
Best practices include industry-institution collaboration, as seen in the MoUs with 31 mega industries, promoting a tri-party model in TVET.

10. Any best practices to follow?
Best practices include industry-institution collaboration, as seen in the MoUs with 31 mega industries, promoting a tri-party model in TVET.

11. Mistakes they made or challenges they faced in their journey?
Challenges included inspiring youth in backward areas to vocational training, addressed by establishing Centers of Excellence and collaborating with industries.

12. Lessons from mistakes and challenges faced.
Lessons learned include the importance of persistence, innovation, and adapting to industry needs in vocational training.

13. Tips or lessons they would like to share with listeners, viewers or readers
I would advise aspiring professionals to follow their passion, embrace challenges, and seek continuous learning for a successful career in skill development.

14. Their Role models, inspirations and mentors who impacted their life or career skills.
My role models include those who have made a significant impact in the field of vocational training and skill development, inspiring me to contribute meaningfully.

15. What are the future trend in _ _ _ _ _ _ Industry
Future trends in the skill development industry involve integrating emerging technologies like Automation, Robotics, AI, ML, and Digital Manufacturing.

16. What guidance would you give to the aspirants who wish to come in this field
Aspiring individuals should focus on acquiring both domain-specific and soft skills, foster industry connections, and stay updated with technological advancements.

17. Everyone Tells what to do But can you share what not to do in this career path
Avoid being complacent and resist resistance to change. Embrace new methodologies and technologies in skill development.

18. What’s has been the most difficult part in your journey & how you handled it – what are the learnings
The most challenging part was inspiring youth in backward areas to embrace vocational training, handled through innovative initiatives and collaborations.

19.What will you do differently if you were to start all over again
If starting over, I would prioritize early collaboration with industries for a more immediate impact on skill development.

20. Your vision and plans for the future?
My vision is to continue transforming education at Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering, aligning with industry needs and introducing cutting-edge disciplines.

21. Questions to uncover personal side
– Their habits, hobbies, interests, family etc
On a personal side, my interests include research, presenting at conferences, and contributing to the development of educational institutions.

22. How you balance the work life and personal life?
Balancing work and personal life involves efficient time management, prioritization, and enjoying moments of relaxation and family time.

23. Some tips to handle critical situations.
Tips for handling critical situations include maintaining composure, seeking solutions collaboratively, and learning from challenges for continuous improvement.

please correct above interview format with simple indian english language without changing the core theme.

B. Driving Innovation: A Journey in Vocational Training and Skill Development with Mr. H.K. Mohonty

Hosted by LIVEMIND

LIVEMIND: Good day, everyone, and welcome to another exciting episode of “Driving Innovation.” Today, we’re honored to have Mr. H.K. Mohonty with us, sharing insights from his remarkable journey in vocational training and skill development. Let’s dive right in!

LIVEMIND: Let’s start with your journey, Mr. Mohonty. Could you walk us through your professional background and the pivotal moments that shaped your career?

Mr. Mohonty: Certainly, LIVEMIND. My journey has been a blend of industry and academia, spanning over three decades. It began in maintenance engineering, transitioned into teaching mechanical engineering, and eventually led me to administrative roles in technical education and vocational training.

LIVEMIND: Fascinating! And what have been some of the most fulfilling moments for you along this journey?

Mr. Mohonty: Leading the transformation of ITI, achieving accreditation for NBA, and forging partnerships with industries have been incredibly fulfilling. These milestones reflect my dedication to enhancing vocational training and skill development.

LIVEMIND: Your dedication is truly inspiring, Mr. Mohonty. Can you share some experiences that have had a significant impact on your career?

Mr. Mohonty: Serving as a Deputy Controller of Examination, implementing online registration systems, and overcoming challenges at ITI Cuttack have been instrumental in shaping my career trajectory. Each experience taught me valuable lessons and fueled my passion for skill development.

LIVEMIND: It’s clear that you’ve had a profound impact in your field. What projects or achievements are you most proud of?

Mr. Mohonty: Establishing advanced labs, integrating AR/VR content in practical skills, and winning Gold Medals in India Skills stand out as proud achievements. These endeavors have pushed the boundaries of vocational training and empowered countless individuals.

LIVEMIND: Impressive accomplishments indeed, Mr. Mohonty. Now, let’s delve into your research interests. What topics or domains are you most passionate about?

Mr. Mohonty: My research interests lie in Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, particularly in Friction Stir Welding. Exploring this area has been both challenging and rewarding, driving innovation in welding technologies.

LIVEMIND: Innovation is key to progress. Can you share a bit about your philosophy guiding your subject interest?

Mr. Mohonty: My philosophy revolves around leveraging skill professionalism to drive societal transformation. This ethos underscores my commitment to advancing vocational training and bridging the gap between academia and industry.

LIVEMIND: Your dedication to societal impact is commendable, Mr. Mohonty. Now, let’s talk about the future. What trends do you foresee in the skill development industry?

Mr. Mohonty: Emerging technologies such as Automation, Robotics, AI, ML, and Digital Manufacturing will undoubtedly shape the future of skill development. It’s essential for educators and practitioners to embrace these trends and adapt accordingly.

LIVEMIND: Wise words indeed. Before we wrap up, do you have any advice for aspiring professionals in this field?

Mr. Mohonty: Absolutely, LIVEMIND. I urge aspiring professionals to cultivate a passion for learning, embrace challenges, and foster strong industry connections. Continuous growth and adaptability are essential for success in skill development.

LIVEMIND: Thank you for those invaluable insights, Mr. Mohonty. It’s been an absolute pleasure speaking with you today.

Mr. Mohonty: The pleasure is mine, LIVEMIND. Thank you for the opportunity.

ACHIVEMENTS- DR. H.K MOHONTY

Embarking on an enthralling odyssey through the hallowed halls of engineering education, the esteemed Dr. Hrushikesh Mohanty, a luminary of 2023, unfolds a narrative adorned with transformative innovation. Rooted in the dynamic terrain of engineering since his 1987 graduation, Dr. Mohanty’s trajectory seamlessly traverses industry behemoths like Coal India and Dalmia Cement before an intriguing pivot into the realm of education.

As the principal of an Industrial Training Institute (ITI) in Kalahandi, Odisha, Dr. Mohanty confronted formidable challenges—outdated infrastructure, disengaged students, and an inadequately skilled faculty. Dissatisfaction echoed among students due to archaic machinery and instructors lacking in essential competencies, prompting Dr. Mohanty to ponder ways to rejuvenate the institute.

Discerning the chasm between industry requisites and educational offerings, Dr. Mohanty proposed an ingenious panacea—industry collaboration. He engaged various enterprises, advocating for the establishment of their training facilities within the ITI premises. This pioneering approach aimed to synchronize education with industry needs, bridging the chasm between theoretical acumen and practical prowess.

Several industry titans, including Schneider Electric, Mitutoyo South Asia, John Bean, Bharat Benz, Maruti Suzuki, Honda, and others, embraced the visionary proposal. They erected training centers, imparting industry-relevant skills, and bestowing certifications upon students. Now armed with dual accolades, students not only earned ITI certificates but also garnered industry-recognized credentials. This collaborative paradigm not only enriched students but also rectified the incongruity between skills proffered by educational institutions and those demanded by industries.

Transitioning to Polytechnic education, Dr. Mohanty encountered analogous hurdles. Despite academic prowess, students lacked practical acumen, prompting a syllabic overhaul. To meet the dynamic technological landscape, he introduced an Industry-Driven training program aligned with industry exigencies. Additionally, a focus on soft skills and the establishment of an Innovation Center augmented the holistic educational experience.

Gazing into the future, Dr. Mohanty envisions the introduction of new branches such as Robotics and Automation, Digital Manufacturing, and Mechatronics. The objective is to perpetuate innovation, construct emotional infrastructure, and cultivate international collaborations for technological advancements and student exchanges.

Dr. Mohanty’s laurels include:

Guiding ITI Cuttack students to secure Gold Medals in the National Level World Skill Competition and participation in the World Skill competition at Basel, Switzerland.
Pioneering the maximum number of industry collaborations in an ITI.
Bestowing the coveted Best Polytechnic award upon Bhubanananda Orissa School of Engineering (BOSE) in 2023.
Securing accreditation for three disciplines by the National Board of Accreditation (NBA).
Attaining QCI Ranking 1 for BOSE among all Government Polytechnics.
Facilitating 12 industries to sign MoUs, establishing an Advanced Lab worth Rs 12 CR with BOSE after Dr. Mohanty assumed the principal’s role in 2022.
Publishing 12 papers in esteemed international journals and contributing as a writer to the chapter on Material Processing and Simulation in the Willy online Library.
Shepherding numerous patents filed by the institute under his visionary leadership.