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The first panel discussion of the day, titled ‘From classroom to cosmos’, features Sekar Viswanathan, Vice-President, VIT, moderated by Ramya Kannan, Chief of Bureau (Tamil Nadu), The Hindu.

Ms. Kannan opens the session by talking about the importance of using our demographic strengths to our advantage. She discusses the mutation of technology, and asks how VIT students are keeping up with new developments.

Mr. Sekar Viswanathan talks about VIT’s faculty and the sessions they run, where industry experts bring cutting-edge advancements in science and tech to teachers. They are also encouraged to attend national and international conferences, he says.

They discuss the challenges in hiring and retaining good faculty members

Mr. Viswanathan speaks about the shortage in good faculty members, despite there being an ecosystem for homegrown talent. He speaks about the importance of salary packages, academic culture, research facilities, and time.