Mr. S.S.Mujumdar
Profesion: Principal of VPM's Polytechnic, College.

Tell us something about your institute?
V.P.M's polytechnic was established in 1983. Presently it is engaged in inparting the 3-year Diploma Course in 4 core engineering branches

• Industrial Electronics
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Power System
• Instrumentation

The Institute also conducts part time courses in Advance Diploma in Computer software and system Analysis.
All the above courses are recognised by the "All India Council of Technical Education", New Delhi. And all the exams are conducted by the Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education. The institute comes under control of the Directorate of Technical educaion.M.S

It also runs a Basic Training Centre imparting basic training in trades of

• Attendent Operator
• Maintenance /Mechanic
• DPU

The center is recognised by D. V. E. T

What does your Institute specialise in?
The institute specialises in imparting the best of technical education in four courses viz:

• Industrial Electronics
• Chemical Engineering
• Electrical Power System
• Instrumentation

What are the infrastructure facilities available for the benefit of your students?
The last 17 years have seen the Institute procuring an infrastructure comparable with the best in the field. The total area available is about 6600 Square mtrs and this accommodates and spacious buildings having 24 well equipped laboratories; 10 large classrooms; 2 drawing halls; 1 workshop along with a very up-to-date spacious library and audio visual room too.
All the laboratories are well equipped with the best laboratory equipments; worth about 1.25 cores. Our well-stocked library has about 7000 books worth lahks covering a wide range of topics
Along with the principal and the vice-principal, the institute has 1selection grade lecture, 8 senior lecturers and 15 lecturers devoted to the courses of imparting the best education to about 1720 students enrolled in various departments in the institute.

Where according to you, the education system in Thane, stands?
The education system in Thane - in my opinion - is amongst the best available its has numerous institutes like schools, colleges, medical colleges, polytechnics, etc. that impart education right from school level to post graduate level. Vidya Prasarak Mandal enjoys a lion's share in this noble profession of educating the masses. However, Thane lacks a good engineering college and this need is felt seriously by the student community as well as the president of VPM, along with all the other members of the management too.

With the present education system, where does the future of Thaneities lie?
The present education system accords a bright future to Thaneities. With V.P. M's Polytechnic being granted permission to start Diploma Course in Information Technology from 2001, we envision that the doors of the latest technology will become open to all students

How fast is the IT industry penetrating in Thane? Can you recommend any steps for the same?
Quite appreciably, though a lot is yet to be achieved. People learn by doing. And therefore, I would recommend an educational initiative committed to building and redefining our society by making computing skills affordable and available easily, This will help us in building a nation driven by competent people who can then compete effectively in the Information Economy

What is the contribution of your institute in the IT field?
V.P. M's Polytechnic IT centre :
Government Recognised certificate courses (Six Months)
- Certificate Course in Information Technology (CCIT)
- Certificate Course in Computer Programming (CCP)
- Certificate Course in Microsoft Office (CCMs Office)

One year part time Advanced Diploma in Computer Software System Analysis and Application , Some Short-term courses and Net Surfing

The Millennium also saw us hosting an IT Exhibition inaugurated by none other than our IT Minister Shri Pramod Mahajan.
Events such as these enable the IT service industry to directly interact with individuals and students on a more accessible platform of mutual interest and benefits.

Finally What message would you like to share with Thaneities?
In the new Millennium, no aspect of human life will be left untouched by IT hence it is imperative for every individual to have exposure to computers professionally or personally. It will ultimately benefit the person and society at large.

As told to Thaneweb.com