analyzing problems, devising, implementing evaluating and managing solutions to field problems, in situations in which learning is purposive and controlled. As an educator, what challenges have you faced while building a career in the education domain? The biggest challenge always comes from the students and how their understanding can be enhanced, no matter how much knowledge you have, but how much and how better you can make them understand the topic is always a challenge as every mind is different and respond to every topic is different. I began my career in research but sooner, I realized an educator inside me with a vision and believed for future innovative agriculture and skillbased smart education the world requires. So, I switched my job to college and then finally to university as an educator. Following the zeal of learning by doing to achieve excellence as excellence brings success took me to the present position of HOD. For the first time, the Mangalayatan university started the department of agriculture under my headship. Thus, it’s the will that helps you overcome all the challenges. What would you advise to those aspiring to study agricultural science? Agriculture not only promises well-paying government or private jobs after degree completion but also provides the satisfaction of working in the field, Agriculture doesn’t require hundreds of books to mug up rather needs passion and determination. To pursue a career in agriculture is not easy; one has to love the soil and nature, needs the courage to get the hands dirty for food and witness the miracle of crop life being part of our culture
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and tradition. So, “live your passion and culture together.” Where do you see yourself in the near future? I see myself and the Agriculture department of Mangalayatan University as a world leader in the field of innovative smart agriculture especially in crop improvement and exploring new areas of innovative agriculture like postharvest agriculture management and smart agriculture technology etc. T R
MAY | 2020