Event Summary

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I had the opportunity to spend a couple of days at PSNA College of Engineering and Technology as a community leader, working closely with students on Java, Open Source, software engineering fundamentals, and the mindset required to become a better engineer.

The experience reinforced one of my strongest beliefs about education: teaching should not be about transferring information; it should be about creating the willingness to learn and act.

Rather than limiting the interaction to conventional lectures and theoretical concepts, the focus was on helping students become more curious, committed, and comfortable with learning by building.

As part of the Open Source Lab initiative, similar to the initiative established at Kongu Engineering College, we also began identifying students who demonstrate genuine interest in technology, contribution, experimentation, and community-driven learning.

I had the opportunity to introduce students to Java and the fundamentals of Design Patterns while also observing how they approach modern problem-solving. It was particularly interesting to see students using AI tools and vibe coding to build solutions. This also created an opportunity to discuss an important aspect of modern software development: AI should amplify understanding and productivity, not replace fundamental thinking.

One of the most rewarding parts of the visit was being accompanied by students from the Open Source Lab at Kongu Engineering College. Watching them confidently conduct seminars, share their experiences, and guide their peers demonstrated how a community can gradually become self-sustaining.

My Contribution / Learnings

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More than a teaching experience, the visit became a two-way learning experience. I went there to help students learn, but I came back having learned from their questions, approaches, curiosity, and perspectives.

• Mentoring on Core Foundations: Guided students in Java fundamentals, Object-Oriented Principles, and practical Design Patterns beyond textbook examples.
• Responsible AI & Engineering Mindset: Encouraged students to use modern AI coding tools to amplify understanding rather than shortcut foundational learning.
• Fostering Student Leadership: Empowered Open Source Lab students from Kongu Engineering College to take the stage, conduct sessions, and mentor peers.
• Expanding the Open Source Lab Ecosystem: Initiated the talent discovery process at PSNACET to cultivate active open-source contributors.

The objective is not simply to create students who know Java or use AI tools. It is to create learners who can understand, build, contribute, and eventually lead.

I also had the honour of being felicitated by the HOD of Computer Science and Business Systems (CSBS) and faculty at PSNA College of Engineering and Technology.