Dr. Santanu Das from Kalyani Government Engineering College is a prominent academician specializing in mechanical engineering. He has contributed significantly to the field through both teaching and research. Dr. Das is well-regarded for his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field and for his role in mentoring students. At Kalyani Government Engineering College, he has been instrumental in developing curricula on behalf of MAKAUT, West Bengal, the affiliating University, and re search initiatives that align with current techno logical trends and industry needs. Dr. Das is also involved in various professional organizations and contributes to the academic community through conferences and work shops, helping to bridge the gap between theoretical research and practical application.

Can you elaborate on the significant changes you’ve implemented at Kaly ani Government Engineering College during your tenure?

During my tenure as Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Kalyani Government Engineering College, spanning over two decades, I have transformed the institution from a nascent establishment with limited resources into a respected postgraduate institution. By prioritizing a rigorous teaching-learning process and robust research infrastructure, I facilitated significant research activities within the department and college, successfully guiding 13 PhD theses. As a Governing Body Member since 2005, I promoted academic and R&D initiatives. I also played a key role in launching the M.Tech program in Production Engineering in 2003 and upgraded the college’s magazine into the peer-re viewed, open-access technical journal REASON in 2011. T his journal has published numerous scholarly articles through a double-blind peer review process. Additionally, I organized three National Conferences at the college and oversaw their proceedings, ensuring academic excellence.

How do you balance your numerous roles, from teaching to editing jour nals, while maintaining high standards across all your responsibilities?

Effective time management has been key to balancing my various responsibilities, from teaching to editing journals. I rely on meticulous planning, often using a simple pocket diary as a personal assistant to allocate time appropriately for all tasks. My primary focus is always on my teaching responsibilities, ensuring that I dedicate sufficient time to both theory and practical classes at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels. In addition, I place significant emphasis on supervising B.Tech and M.Tech projects as well as PhD thesis work. The numerous publications resulting from these projects reflect the quality of research conducted by the students under my guidance, all while maintaining the highest ethical standards. Alongside my teaching duties, I carefully manage my editorial roles, serving as the Chief Editor of the Indian Welding Journal, Managing Editor of Indian Science Cruiser, Editor of the *Journal of The Association of Engineers, India*, and Editor of *REASON – A Technical Journal*. Despite the time-intensive nature of these responsibilities, I strive to uphold the quality of each publication through a rigorous peer-review process. Balancing these commitments does require significant time, even outside of college hours, and I appreciate the under standing of my family, especially my wife, who has been supportive despite the personal time this work demands.

Can you elaborate on the role of men torship in your career and how you approach mentoring your students and peers?

I strongly believe that mentorship plays a pivotal role in shaping an individual’s character and future. A dedicated mentor, especially a teacher, can create a profound impact on a student’s life. I have immense respect for my PhD supervisor, Prof. Asit Baran Chattopadhyay, who was a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at IIT Kharagpur. His mentorship was instrumental in guiding me to set my goals and pursue them with clarity and determination. Inspired by his approach, I strive to mentor my under graduate and postgraduate students in similar ways, emphasizing sincerity, ethical practices, and fostering a passion for learning. I conduct remedial classes, teach students how to present their project work effectively, and organize mock presentations to help them improve. These efforts have proven to be highly beneficial, helping students not only enhance their academic performance but also build strong professional and personal foundations.

Could you share your experience of working with various educational institutions and their impact on your professional journey?

My academic journey in professional courses began at Jadavpur University, where I had the privilege of learning from several esteemed faculty members. The teaching standards were exceptionally high, allowing me to gain in-depth theoretical knowledge alongside practical, hands-on experience in various workshops and laboratories. This foundation later fueled my passion for experimental projects and research. At IIT Kharagpur, my exposure to research expanded significantly. As part of a large research and development team under a dedicated guide, I learned the nuances of conducting research across various domains. This experience has been invaluable to me in my professional career. My teaching career began at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Maharashtra, where I was deeply involved in both teaching and research. I worked closely with undergraduate students, encouraging them to undertake quality projects using the available resources. This enthusiasm led to several students publishing articles based on their project work, a trend I con tinued after transitioning to my current role at Kalyani Government Engineering College. Here, I have main tained my focus on fostering a research-driven mindset among students, ensuring a strong blend of academic learning and practical application.

How do you evaluate the success and impact of your various profession al roles and contributions over the years?

I believe that students are the best judges when it comes to evaluating a teacher’s impact. I am deeply humbled that many of my former students remain in regular con tact with me, and it is incredibly rewarding to see them succeed in their careers, whether in industry or academia. T heir continued respect and connection are a testament to the bonds we built during their time as students, and I am always overwhelmed by their achievements. In addition to my teaching and mentoring roles, I am actively involved in various professional organizations in different capacities. These include being a Council Member of The Indian Institute of Welding, The Association of Engineers, India, the Institute of Science, Education and Culture, and the Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering. I have served as Secretary of the Institute of Science, Education and Culture for several years, and I also chair the Kolkata Branch/Chapter of both The Indian Institute of Welding and The Indian Institution of Industrial Engineering. I have been repeatedly elected unopposed to these positions, which I attribute not only to my hard work but also to my cooperative and collaborative approach in working with others.