I am celebrating my much awaited vacation and the long-felt need for some rest from the hustle and bustle of college work. Am hoping that I dont get calls from college to report to work during this short period. One does not realise that the teacher becomes fatigued and strained after a year of mental and physical work, much like the students. The annual pattern for the first years has left us all drained and exhausted. I feel the semester pattern is easier on the student.

However, I feel some necessary changes are needed in the education pattern of engineering studies. Students must be allowed to take up part-time jobs and go in for real practical training of about six months in some organisation where their technical skills can be honed. A minimum stipend would be encouraging for the student and the industry/organisation does not stand to lose over a small sum paid to these trainee-students. Organisations should know how to tap the potential of these technical students by making them part of some projects or ongoing technical jobs.

Hmmm...wishful thinking?