At AIT, we create a holistic environment that bridges tradition and modernity

Dr. C. T. Jayadeva, Principal of Adichunchanagiri Institute of Technology (AIT), Chikkamagaluru, speaks about how the institute's spiritual roots harmonise with contemporary education, its evolving academic framework, and its mission to produce ethically grounded, industry-ready graduates.

- Dr C. T. Jayadeva, Principal of Adichunchanagiri Institute Of Technology (AIT), Chikkamagaluru,

How has AIT's legacy influenced its present direction, particularly in the context of modern education?

AIT was established in 1980 under the spiritual and ethical guidance of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math with the blessings of Parama Poojya Jagadguru Sri Sri Sri Dr. Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji.

Swamiji's core vision was to offer technical education to rural students alongside essential support in food, education and health.

Today, this legacy ensures that while we embrace cutting-edge engineering education, we equally emphasise ethical conduct, discipline and holistic development.

Under the stewardship of Poojya Sri Sri Sri Dr. Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji, Pontiff of Sri Adichunchanagiri Mahasamsthana Math and with the guidance of Poojya Sri Sri Gunanatha Swamiji, we continue to merge spirituality with scientific advancement, aligning institutional goals with both industry trends and a broader mission of nation-building.

AIT shifted affiliation from the University of Mysore to VTU. How has this transition shaped its academic framework?

Initially, under Mysore University, our curriculum was theory-focused with limited specialisation. The affiliation with VTU marked a decisive move towards industry-aligned, skill-based learning.

The current framework incorporates emerging fields such as AI, machine learning, data science, IoT, and robotics. It also includes mandatory internships, outcome-based education, and credit-eligible MOOCs, ensuring graduates are globally competitive and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020.

This transformation ensures that AIT graduates are not only academically strong but also industry-ready and globally competent.

How does AIT balance traditional wisdom with modern engineering education?