Tekvocation - Blog #ExcellenceTekvocation - Blog #Excellencehttps://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/tag/excellenceSat, 11 Apr 2026 09:37:50 +0530http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Lakshya 2025 – 6th Anniversary Celebration ]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/lakshya-2025-–-6th-anniversary-celebration Tekvocation celebrated its 6th Anniversary, Lakshya , on 27th November 2025 at the Tekvocation campus. The event brought togeth ]]>

Tekvocation celebrated its 6th Anniversary, Lakshya, on 27th November 2025 at the Tekvocation campus.

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The event brought together partner companies, alumni, and special guests to reflect on six years of growth and collaboration. The celebration began with a welcome address by Diana G Hombal , who spoke about Tekvocation’s journey, Tony's vision towards providing the local engineers a purposeful employment after an immersive internship experience, the evolution of expectations in the industry for freshers and the value of investing in human potential through long format internships. The lamp-lighting ceremony followed, symbolizing the beginning of another meaningful chapter.

Tony G Thomas, Co-Founder of Zoho and Founder of Tekvocation, delivered the keynote address, focusing on the importance of preparing today’s youth for a rapidly changing tech landscape. He highlighted the growing influence of AI in industries, the need for adaptability, and the responsibility that comes with technological advancement. A video montage showcased Tekvocation’s impact, after which the new marketing division, TekAxis, was officially launched.

Speakers from partner companies added depth to the celebration with their perspectives.

Prasad from Vtiger emphasized curiosity, ownership, and the importance of genuine learning, encouraging learners to stay thoughtful and adaptable.
Vidya from Vtiger spoke about embracing growth, learning from mistakes, and maintaining a positive approach in professional environments.
Francis from Edcite highlighted the importance of health awareness and balanced use of technology, especially in an AI-driven world.
Jagdish from Edcite cautioned about the risks of over-dependence on AI and stressed the need for retaining human judgment.
Soumya from Edcite spoke about clarity in reasoning, taking responsibility for errors, and continuously improving decision-making.
Anisha from Mahajana College shared her perspective on how AI is reshaping education and the importance of preparing students for this shift.
Ashwin from YoBe Kombucha and Dinakar from Cyberlancers also addressed the gathering, appreciating the collaboration and growth between Tekvocation and partner organizations.

The event concluded with alumni messages, a vote of thanks, cake-cutting, and a team lunch. The 6th Anniversary celebration stood as a strong reminder of Tekvocation’s journey, its valued partnerships, and its commitment to nurturing talent equipped for the future.

]]>Tue, 09 Dec 2025 15:58:47 +0530<![CDATA[Crest 2025: A Journey of Steady Growth]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/crest-2025-a-journey-of-steady-growthOn June 30, Tekvocation held Crest 2025, the valedictory event of the Internship Program. The event brought together interns, mentors, the Tekvocation ]]>

On June 30, Tekvocation held Crest 2025, the valedictory event of the Internship Program. The event brought together interns, mentors, the Tekvocation team, and leadership to mark the completion of nine months of focused learning. The name Crest was chosen to represent a peak reached through consistent effort and daily involvement.

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The day began with small gestures that made the interns feel remembered. Photos from their first day, handwritten notes, and sweet treats welcomed them. A sapling planting followed, where interns and guests planted together, a quiet gesture symbolizing shared growth.

Ms. Diana Hombal opened the event by sharing reflections on the internship. She spoke about how the program took shape through trial, feedback, and openness. She highlighted that growth is rarely linear and that progress comes from showing up with focus and staying open to learning and change.

A video created by Manoj N played next. It featured moments from the inaugural event, onboarding, client meetings, team sessions, and shared memories. It brought quiet smiles and a sense of pride, showing how far each intern had come.

Mr. Tony G Thomas, Founder of Tekvocation and Co-founder of Zoho, addressed the interns and spoke about the rise of artificial intelligence and the importance of thoughtful decision-making. He encouraged the interns to stay curious, explore tools used by leading companies, and align learning with real-world practices. He shared that marketing plays a key role in helping technology reach the right audience and emphasized that when used well, technology builds rather than disrupts.

Mr. Francis Joy shared practical thoughts on the importance of well-being and maintaining balance while building a career. He also spoke about adaptability and how it supports clarity and steady growth. Mr. Jagadish from Edcite Mysuru shared three pointers for professional life: stay flexible, develop a growth mindset, and approach tasks and challenges with ownership.

Ms. Diana then shared a few transformational stories that reflected the quieter but meaningful shifts in the interns' journeys. Kavya had strengthened her career by being open to feedback, while Bhoomika gained confidence through consistent speaking practice. Manoj N S returned from a visit to the Zoho campus with a deeper understanding of work culture and expectations. Smruthi Ranjan enhanced his language skills and clear in his presentations over time. Mohammed Ahamed became more observant by learning to read non-verbal cues and expressions, and Niharika developed a more thoughtful and aware approach to responding in conversations. These stories showed how steady practice and reflection led to tangible growth in each individual.

All fifteen interns who completed the program were awarded certificates. Special recognitions were presented:
  • Best Intern Award – Arun Kumar R, for consistent effort and team contribution
  • Professional Excellence Award – Veda Karthik T and Disha Crasta, for exceptional professionalism
  • Impact in Action Award – Manoj Kumar N S, for strong support and coordination
  • Best Trainer Award – Prabhu Shankar M, for his kind and thoughtful guidance
Mr. Prabhu Shankar gave the vote of thanks and acknowledged everyone who contributed to making the internship meaningful.

The Imprint session followed, where each intern shared reflections on what shaped their growth. The session brought warmth and sincerity to the room. Later, the celebration continued with performances:
A musical and dance performance by the Edcite Mysuru team
A graceful dance by Tekvocation staff
A group dance by the intern girls
A fun skit by the intern boys, capturing humorous moments from their journey
The day ended with a group photo that captured effort, connection, and quiet pride. A quote from Tony picked from Tekvocation newsletter that stayed with everyone:
“Success is not about being right all the time, but being ready to change when you’re not.”
Crest 2025 was not just a closing ceremony, it was a reminder that real growth comes from steady effort and the willingness to adapt.
]]>Mon, 14 Jul 2025 17:17:16 +0530<![CDATA[Wisdom from the Frontlines: Changemaker who is shaping the future-one advanced material at a time]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/Changemaker-who-is-shaping-the-futureWith each passing month, “Wisdom from the Frontlines” opens a small but meaningful window into the minds of individuals who are quietly advancing the ]]>

With each passing month, “Wisdom from the Frontlines” opens a small but meaningful window into the minds of individuals who are quietly advancing the frontiers of their industries. These conversations are not just about milestones—they are about mindset, resilience, and the unseen work that fuels visible impact.

In this edition, we are privileged to feature Ajeesh G Mannadiar, CEO and Co-founder of Vipus Advanced Materials, a green field initiative powered by Zoho Corp. With an extraordinary career rooted in aerospace, defense, and advanced materials, Ajeesh exemplifies what it means to lead with both technical depth and visionary clarity. From leading large-scale engineering teams to pioneering applications for defence and space, his story offers a masterclass in turning deep technical insight into high-impact business outcomes. 
In this Q&A, he opens up about the challenges of green field innovation, the future of composites in India, lessons in operational leadership, and why building teams and ecosystems is as critical as building products. His insights are a goldmine for young engineers, entrepreneurs, and future leaders navigating complex industries.
Read on for a deep dive into the mindset of a builder, thinker, and changemaker who is shaping the future—one advanced material at a time.

Education & Early Inspirations

 1. Can you share a bit about your educational journey? What sparked your interest in  Investigation of CNF reinforced polymers for long term nuclear waste disposal?
My foundation began with a BTech from VTU, which gave you a strong grasp of core engineering principles. This was followed by an MTech in Integrated Design and Manufacturing from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, where my exposure to materials in design likely deepened my appreciation for how critical they are in solving complex industrial challenges.. My PhD in Material Science marks a turning point where my interest matured into a research-driven focus. The investigation of CNF (Carbon Nanofiber) reinforced polymers for long-term nuclear waste disposal seems to have been sparked by both scientific curiosity and a desire to contribute to real-world, high-stakes problems— particularly those in defense and energy where durability, safety, and performance under extreme conditions are crucial.

2. Looking back, were there any key mentors or moments during your college days that significantly influenced your career path?
At the heart of my journey has always been my father, Mr. M. Govindankutty. He has been much more than a parent—he has been my mentor, my role model, and my greatest source of strength. His guidance, resilience, and unwavering belief in my potential laid the foundation for every milestone I’ve achieved. The values he instilled in me continue to anchor my decisions, both in academia and in my entrepreneurial ventures. Today, On this journey of entrepreneurship, my biggest mentor is none other than Tony G Thomas. His humility and ability to remain grounded in any situation is something which I wish to achieve at some point of my career.

PhD & Research Journey

3. What were some of the key breakthroughs or turning points during your PhD in materials science, and how did you navigate the challenges and stay motivated throughout that demanding journey?
The journey was far from easy. Working on nano-reinforcements meant constantly battling dispersion issues, equipment limitations, and even skepticism about scalability. But what kept me going was the purpose behind the research—solving a real-world, high-stakes problem.

From Research to Entrepreneurship

4. Was there a defining moment or insight when you realized there was a market opportunity for Composite in aerospace and defense industry?
I  had no such moments like that, My dad and his colleagues were pioneers in Composite materials and having grown in that environment I was always fascinated with the areas pertaining to composite materials. However, When I finished my Phd in Composite Materials and when I landed into my corporate job at Honeywell, then I realized this material and technology is here to stay and grow further

5. What message did you share with the young graduates, and what advice would you give to students aspiring to lead in tech-driven industries?
To the young graduates, I share a simple but powerful message: be curious, stay grounded, and build with purpose.

Work Experience & Professional Growth

6. You've had valuable experiences in both academic and industry settings—how have those early roles helped shape the leadership style you bring to your work today?
My experiences in academia taught me patience, clarity in communication, and the importance of continuous learning, while industry roles at L&T Defense, Honeywell, and Collins Aerospace instilled a results-driven, systems-thinking mindset. Together, they shaped a leadership style that balances technical depth with practical execution.

Passion for Aerospace & Composite Materials

7. What drew you specifically towards composite materials, and how do you see their role evolving in aerospace and defense sectors in the next decade?
Composites have been in my blood as I grew up only seeing that all my life. As far as the market is concerned, its going to be more prominent in the years ahead. Also there seems to be a lot of emphasis in Thermoplastic Composites. Certainly we are eager to work on those areas. We are keen to work on greener materials.

Entrepreneurship & Building from Scratch

8. As a budding tech entrepreneur, what early risks or tough decisions have shaped your view of entrepreneurial spirit in India today?
One of the toughest early decisions was leaving a stable corporate path to build something from scratch in a high-risk, capital-intensive domain like advanced materials. Securing funding, assembling the right team, and convincing stakeholders to believe in a long-term vision were big challenges. I personally thank the Zoho team and Verdant Team to have kept their faith on me for this big opportunity.
9. When building your team, what skills or qualities do you personally look for that really stand out to you?
When building my team, the quality I value most—above all else—is attitude. In a startup environment, where challenges are dynamic and resources are limited, it's the right mindset that truly makes the difference. We look for individuals who are curious, adaptable, willing to take ownership, and open to learning. Skills can always be developed over time, but a positive, committed attitude is what drives growth—for both the individual and the company.

Personal

10. As a CEO and a father, how do you manage your time between work and family—and is there a space or routine that helps you stay grounded amidst it all?
Balancing life as a CEO and a father is no easy task, but it’s also the most rewarding part of my journey. What keeps me grounded is the unwavering support of my wife, Greeshma MS, whose strength, patience, and constant encouragement make everything possible—even during my most demanding days. And my son, Sabarinath A, brings an energy and joy into our lives that instantly resets my mindset, no matter how hectic things get. We make it a point to spend quality time together, even in small ways—dinner chats, weekend playtime, or just sharing a laugh after a long day. That space with them is my true anchor. Their love and understanding fuel my drive, and remind me why I do ?what I do.
]]>Tue, 06 May 2025 15:24:05 +0530<![CDATA[Wisdom from the Frontline: Marketing with Purpose, Training with Passion - Meet Catherine Suchita]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/wisdom-from-the-frontline-marketing-with-purpose-training-with-passion-meet-catherine-suchita"Each month, Wisdom from the Frontlines brings you voices that have not only walked the path but helped lay its foundation—transforming challenge ]]>

"Each month, Wisdom from the Frontlines brings you voices that have not only walked the path but helped lay its foundation—transforming challenges into blueprints for others to follow. This edition features a woman of remarkable depth: Catherine Suchita—a social change enthusiast whose 20+ year journey across training, marketing, operations, and business development has quietly impacted hundreds of lives, careers, and companies.
With over two decades of experience across training, public relations, business development, and operations, Catherine’s story is rooted in purpose. From spearheading large-scale employability initiatives for engineering students in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, to managing the financial aspirations of HNIs through her leadership at Moneyline, she exemplifies a rare blend of grassroots engagement and high-stakes strategy.
What stands out in our Q&A is Catherine’s no-nonsense clarity—whether she’s talking about demystifying investment myths, bridging the gap between academia and industry, or using cooking as a metaphor for strategic thinking. Her work reflects a powerful truth: financial literacy, professional excellence, and social change are not separate pursuits—they are interlinked pillars of long-term empowerment. Catherine doesn’t just train people to be employable—she prepares them to navigate uncertainty, think independently, and build lives of meaning. It is this unwavering belief in the potential of individuals, especially youth, that makes her voice both credible and inspiring.
We are honoured to share her insights with our community this month. Read on for a conversation rich with practical wisdom, thoughtful conviction, and deeply human leadership."

1) What qualities set apart top-performing sales and marketing professionals in the financial sector?

The top performing sales and marketing professionals are always updated with what is new in their sector. They are very well exposed to all the macro and micro economic factors that impact their sector, business and clients.

2) What strategies have you found most effective in building long-term client relationships, especially in competitive financial markets?

Long term client relationships in competitive financial markets call for more than average returns compared to the standard indexes of the industry. Simultaneously, we need to have a good knowledge of arbitrage too, so that the inefficiencies of the financial market are balanced. 

3) How does personalization influence the marketing of financial products and services? Can you share an example where it significantly impacted conversions?

A good financial consultant needs to have an expertise in doing the need analysis of the financial life cycle of the client. Due to the mentioned requirement, it becomes essential to connect to the customer, so that he is freely able to share what is there in his mind, his requirements, his priorities and risk appetite.We had a client who was in his twenties, who wanted an early retirement from his corporate job as he wanted to pursue his passion in music. The client was risk averse, needed liquidity and expected good long-term returns. So, we had to design his investments in a manner which had to support long term investments without much compromise on liquidity. We invested his savings into corporate bonds as well as dividend yielding equity schemes. The interest of long-term investment would be partially used for his livelihood expenses as well as reinvestment into equity plus annuity to support his wealth creation and retirement requirement. The customer was very happy with the planning and gave complete control over his investment portfolio to us.   

4) What are the key elements of a strong brand presence in financial services, and how can firms differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace?

Extraordinary service coupled with professionalism is something that always makes a difference to the client. A service provider also needs to maintain high transparency in operations. We need to treat the client’s money as our own and not focus on brokerage and commission alone. When most of the organizations in this competitive market are looking at running their business only for profits; A company which is service oriented and focuses on long term gain for the customer will always stand out. Profits should become an integrated component of business growth along with the growth in Customers portfolio.This will create a very strong brand presence. 

5) What strategies have proven most effective for generating and converting high-value leads in the financial industry?

The service provider should ensure that he is always able to give time and energy to a requested service from the client even though    it may not be commercially viable but an important service to the client.  Being very commercial all the time - puts off high end clients.High value customers will give a lot of importance to product and subject knowledge, they have an expectation that you need to be professional all the time. They don’t like push sales and prefer more of a hassle-free value-oriented approach.

Financial Industry & Client Education

6) What are the most common financial misconceptions professionals and institutions hold, and how do you address them in your training programs?

Some of the most common financial misconceptions are as follows.

- Misconception 1: We need to accumulate money to start saving.

We encourage Savings at a very early age. Savings can start small- as small as Rs.500. No one should wait for the right time to save.

- Misconception 2: Outstanding returns can come without any risk.

Risk comes from not knowing… We encourage investors to educate themselves on where and why they decide to invest with us and then have their buy in for decisions related to investment of their money. This will not lead to goodwill erosion in case of loss, in erratic, unpredictable economic and market conditions.   

- Misconception 3: We need to wait for the right time to invest in the stock market:

There is no right time to start investing. We just need to give more time to our investment to grow in the stock market. One word of caution is that an investor needs to make sure we are not carried away by excellent returns in the short run… We need to consider the fundamental analysis of any sector and industries we invest.

- Misconception 4: One source of income is sufficient for a good life.

It makes a lot of sense to make an investment to create a second source of income in this era of uncertainties. What seems a standard source of income today may become totally irrelevant tomorrow due to dynamic changes in technology and research. An excellent example of this is the STD phone business which was a very lucrative business in the 90’s.

7) For young professionals aiming for financial independence, what are the first steps they should take?

Curb unnecessary buying, buy only what is necessary for basic needs and save all the remaining money. A penny saved is a penny earned.

Young professionals should start saving form their first pay check.

Ensure you define life goals financially and quantify the money needed for the same. Start working and saving towards it.

The earlier you start, the better it is. The power of compounding works magic on your portfolio. You need to keep your money in a array of investment instruments which should include Equity, mutual funds, bonds, commercial papers, FD’S,etc. Your investment decisions should be according to your need, liquidity and risk appetite.

Minimalist is the new rich. Earn more, spend less and save more. Invest your savings carefully; so that your money makes more money for you

Training, Leadership & Industry Impact  

8) What inspired you to step into the training and education sector?

I stepped into training because I wanted to assist young minds to grow rationally and contribute to a better society and a better world. I enjoy giving direction to the efforts of the youth in getting employed because I noticed that most of their efforts were going in vain due to lack of exposure to the corporate world. I started working very early at the age of 18 and made many mistakes. I had nobody to guide me in the right direction and hence much of my learnings were through trial and error. I wish to share my experiences with the young minds to give them encouragement to become economically independent at the earliest.

9) In your experience, how can professionals bridge the gap between academic learning and corporate expectations?

First we need to accept that everything that we learn academically will definitely be useful somewhere or the other in life. This acceptance is required by the youth who are in the process of getting educated in order to give their best results. After gaining in depth knowledge of whichever field they are in; the following steps need to followed to meet the corporate expectations:

    ∙ Read, Listen, Write: We are in an era of open source for information. Pick all the relevant materials in your line of working and dedicate a specific time for reading. Listen to subject matter experts on how they are practically using their knowledge. Write articles and become a part of the blogging group in your field of working.

    ∙ Community learning: Please interact and gain knowledge from working professionals, friends, seniors you know from your line of working. You can also become a part of online community and accelerate your learning.

    ∙ Internship and live projects: Students need to take as many internships and live projects along with academic learning to cope up with corporate expectations.

    ∙ Learning from mistakes: Never miss an opportunity to initiate and do work related to your field. Apply all that you have learnt practically. It is totally OK to make mistakes and learn from it. If we wait to get skilled fully and then start work there are high possibilities that we are left behind in the competition.

Government & Large-Scale Initiatives  

10) How did you successfully bring in organizations like Rajiv Udyog Sri and Jawahar Knowledge Centre to support employment initiatives?

The rule is simple… keep trying till you find a person in the Government or any other organisation who understands your / your company’s vision to bring about a change in the society for the better.If you are supporting the right cause, you will always get the support from the system. The world still has a lot of people who want it to be better day by day.I met the bureaucrats and top level administrators (especially the key decision makers) in the social welfare departments of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh and got a buy in of their support.

Personal & Work-Life Balance

11) What’s a hobby or activity you’re passionate about outside of work, and how does it influence your professional mindset?

I love cooking. Cooking has thought me invaluable lessons. Happy to share some.

- Lesson 1: Cooking has thought me that we need to choose the right ingredients, in the right proportions to have the right outcome. 

I apply this to all the activities in my professional life. I carefully choose what I need to focus upon , the people I associate with, the medium and content of my corporate communication .etc.,

- Lesson 2: Even the smallest ingredient can alter the taste and flavour of the dish. 

One should try their level best not to miss the tiniest of details while handling their professional life. Your competitive advantage will lie in the details which others in the same business have not encashed upon. So, paying attention to the minutest of details matter to ensure we run our business smoothly and also to have the first move advantage in any business.

- Lesson 3. The timing when we add the ingredients the cooking also matters.

In business there is a time for everything. The sequence of actions matters a lot and not just the actions… Wrong timing /sequence in corporate decision making will definitely prove to be a disaster. 

- Lesson 4: Simple dishes with few ingredients taste best:  

Nowadays it has become a trend to sound complicated and complex to prove that we are intelligent. On the contrary the ultimate intelligence actually lies in keeping everything as simple as possible. This is true for everything from setting the process and procedures of operations, giving instructions, designing your media campaigns /client presentations and communicating with your peers and superiors.

12) Are you an early bird or a night owl? How does that impact your productivity and daily routine?

I am an early bird. Getting up early after a good night's rest gives me a lot of energy and creativity. Since I start my day with meditation and pranayama… my mind feels clear. I ensure that I plan my day well- with sufficient time for self, family and work. This helps me have a good work life balance. I make it a point to touch upon my affirmations every morning as a routine, so that I don’t get distracted from what I need to prioritise. It assists me not to get influenced and affected by everything around me and also to maintain my individuality. All these activities in the mornings ensure am free from anxiety and clutter throughout the day both at home and also at work.

]]>Sat, 12 Apr 2025 15:06:17 +0530<![CDATA[Wisdom from the Frontlines: Lessons from Experience]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/wisdom-from-the-frontlines-lessons-from-experienceWelcome back to Wisdom from the Frontlines, where we explore the journeys of professionals who have made a lasting impact in their fields. Through the ]]>

Welcome back to Wisdom from the Frontlines, where we explore the journeys of professionals who have made a lasting impact in their fields. Through their experiences, challenges, and reflections, we bring you perspectives that can help navigate your own career path.
This edition features Mahesh Bala, a technology leader with over two decades of experience in AI, robotics, business strategy, and mentorship. From his early days at ISRO to leading AI-driven programs at Zoho Research Labs, Mahesh has played a key role in driving innovation while guiding the next generation of professionals.
In this Q&A, he shares his thoughts on leadership, the future of AI, the balance between technology and business, and what it takes to build a strong career. His experiences offer practical takeaways for entrepreneurs, tech professionals, and anyone looking to grow in an evolving industry.
Read on for a conversation style answers filled with real-world lessons and thought-provoking perspectives.

1. How did your experience at ISRO shape your approach to technology and innovation later in your career?

- I have seen how deep technologies are explored and built with an attitude of selflessness. Senior scientists working hard and taking complete ownership of their work amazed me. I was working in the staging separation division, which was responsible for separating a satellite in orbit from a launch vehicle. Even the senior most scientists were well aware about the torque values of even screws to be tightened. 

2. What was the biggest turning point in your career, and how did it influence your professional growth ?

- Loosing a job in 2009 was the biggest turning point in my career. I started my own company. 

3. With your experience in AI and robotics, what ethical considerations do you believe should be prioritized in technological advancements?

- Depending blindly on AI tools and techniques like Chat GPT etc. will not help anyone to improve their career. We must have fundamental knowledge and we should be able to know how smartly we are able to use AI techniques. 

4. How do you foresee the future of indigenous technologies in India competing on a global scale?

- We need more and more ‘deep technical’ indigenous technologies coming up from India. We should not settle with light weight solutions which have short term business advantageous. 

5. What are the core focus areas of Zoho's R&D Centre at Kottarakara? How does it align? with Zoho’s broader vision? How do you foster innovation in a setting that is away from major tech ecosystems?

- Our Founder's vision of R&D and RD (research and development and rural development) emphasize core deep technologies built from rural India. We are in humble effort of empowering the local Indian talent to do hardcore research 

6. What kind of research and innovation projects are currently being undertaken at the center?

- AI and Robotics in general. LLMs also.

7. What inspired you to transition into academia and mentorship alongside your corporate career?

- Giving back something back to society 

8. If you had to summarize your life philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?

- Never waste time, and do the work for self satisfaction. The rest is taken care of by itself. 

9. Who has been your biggest inspiration in your professional journey?

- Rahul Dravid and Virat Kholi
]]>Thu, 20 Mar 2025 15:47:57 +0530<![CDATA[Wisdom from the Frontlines - JavaScript in 2024: Trends and Insights as per Charles Antony]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/wisdom-from-the-frontlines-javascript-in-2024-trends-and-insights-as-per-charles-antony As JavaScript continues to power modern web development, staying ahead of its trends is crucial for tech professionals. From its pivotal role in ]]>

 As JavaScript continues to power modern web development, staying ahead of its trends is crucial for tech professionals. From its pivotal role in frontend technologies to its growing impact on interactive application design, JavaScript remains a cornerstone of innovation. In this Q&A, we explore expert perspectives on the future of JavaScript, practical tips for teaching it to beginners, strategies to tackle common challenges, and how AI is reshaping development. Dive in to discover valuable insights and inspiration for thriving in the ever-evolving tech landscape.

  • Can you share some of the most significant trends in JavaScript development that professionals should pay attention to in 2024?
    Most professionals are aware by now that there is an increasing utilization of JavaScript in modern application development. Many would certainly agree with me that most frontend technologies are built on, built around, and rely heavily on JavaScript. Therefore, knowledge of JavaScript is a must for core technical resources, especially for those who wish to build their careers in modern frontend technologies.

  • How do you approach teaching JavaScript to individuals with minimal programming experience?
    Always start with something familiar to them. Everyone has some experience with the web. Initially, I introduce the basics of HTML and CSS, as they can relate to their experience with web usage, particularly with web forms. Then, I pose questions like, "What element is missing?" Most people quickly realize that interactivity is missing. I start with basic built-in methods like prompt and alert. Gradually, they understand the need for validation, and I teach them that. Once they get a feel for JavaScript, the learning process becomes smoother.

  • What are the most common challenges developers face when working with JavaScript, and how can they overcome them?
    Debugging is a common bottleneck developers face. Unlike some other programming languages, JavaScript lacks a quick debugging mechanism—or perhaps I’m unaware of one. That said, modern browsers have amazing developer tools that can greatly assist in debugging.

  • In your experience, how has AI impacted the way we develop and interact with software applications? What do you think the future holds for AI in software development and education?
    I feel AI is undoubtedly a boon for education. We’ll all have to wait and experience its full potential ourselves.

  • With cybersecurity becoming increasingly important, how can developers ensure their JavaScript applications are secure?
    Cybersecurity is critical, as we’re all aware. JavaScript can be used to identify client-side vulnerabilities and to implement client-side authentication and authorization, which enhances overall security.

  • What are some hobbies or interests outside of work that help you unwind and maintain perspective?
    I’m naturally curious about technologies and trends—I enjoy learning about them for the sake of knowing. Reading is a hobby I cherish most, and today, we have various media to facilitate that.

  • Looking back, what’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from teaching and consulting in the tech industry?
    The need to stay updated with technological advancements is crucial, especially in IT. It’s even more important if you’re teaching technology.

]]>Thu, 09 Jan 2025 15:40:30 +0530<![CDATA[Wisdom from the Frontlines: Shaping the Future - Dr. Manasa on Excellence in Education]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/wisdom-from-the-frontlinesWelcome to "Wisdom from the Frontlines," a special column in the Tek-newsletter where we highlight the voices and journeys of individuals wh ]]>
Welcome to "Wisdom from the Frontlines," a special column in the Tek-newsletter where we highlight the voices and journeys of individuals who have made significant contributions in their fields
What began as an initiative to feature an article from our Founder, Tony G Thomas, soon sparked the idea to broaden this platform, inviting other inspiring professionals to share their unique insights, challenges, and motivations.

In this edition, we are glad to feature Dr. Manasa, a former banker who transitioned into academia and now heads Vishwakavi Kuvempu First Grade College, one of Mysore’s most esteemed institutions. Established in 1997 by Karnataka Rathna Dr. D. Javare Gowda (Dejagow), a disciple of Vishwakavi Kuvempu, the college has been a pillar of education and culture for over 50 years. Since 2022, Tekvocation has proudly collaborated with the college, offering training to over 450-500 students. Join us as Dr. Manasa shares her remarkable journey and the lessons she has learned along the way.

Career and Transition:

1) What inspired you to move from the corporate world to the education sector?
- Exposure to new knowledge and Education can open horizons to new ideas,    experiences, and understanding and also Education can boost your confidence and give you a sense of achievement. 

2) How has your corporate experience shaped your approach to administration and leadership in education?
- Corporate experience has helped me in planning, Resource allocation, policy implementation and leadership skills. 

Changes in the Educational Sector:

3) How have you seen the education sector evolve in recent years?

- In recent educational system, there is a lot of emphasis on employing technology. Schools and colleges are encouraging students to become familiar with the technology.

4) What changes do you think are still needed in the educational system to better prepare students for the future?
- The curriculum design has to change. More of practical based of learning to be implemented

5) How Do you integrate new educational trends and technologies into your institution?
- Transformation can be made through Digital learning, preparing  students with life skills, Power point presentations, online grading system, helping students with different learning styles

Leadership and Challenges:

6) As a woman in a leadership role, what unique challenges have you encountered, and how have you addressed them?
- Unconscious bias, Gender bias, family responsibility many more, but was able to overcome all these problems through a proper work life balance and positive attitude towards the work I do.

Work-Life Balance:

7) Managing an educational institution can be demanding. How do you maintain a work-life balance?

- Prioritizing things in life, time management, set boundaries, focus on health.

Student Community:

8) How do you ensure that students are not just academically prepared but also equipped with life skills to face challenges in life ?

- Setting realistic goals , prioritising tasks, daily routine these strategies enable students to address their personal challenges.

Personal Insights:

9) What hobbies or activities do you pursue outside of work to relax and recharge?

- Listing to music, practice breathing exercise, read books

]]>Wed, 18 Sep 2024 12:00:44 +0530<![CDATA[Wisdom from the Frontlines: Leading with Code - Sowmya Panjaje's Story (Director, Edcite Bengaluru)]]>https://www.tekvocation.com/blogs/post/wisdom-from-the-frontlines-leading-with-code-sowmya-panjaje-s-story-director-edcite-bengaluruWelcome to "Wisdom from the Frontlines," a special column in the Tek-newsletter where we feature the authentic voices and stories of inspiri ]]>
Welcome to "Wisdom from the Frontlines," a special column in the Tek-newsletter where we feature the authentic voices and stories of inspiring individuals from all walks of life. Each edition, we share the personal experiences of people who are deeply involved in their fields, highlighting their insights, motivations, and the challenges they've overcome on their journeys.
What started as a way for Founder Tony G Thomas to share his ideas has become a space for experienced professionals to share their knowledge. We ask them about what’s worked, what hasn’t, and why they do what they do.
Our goal is to inspire readers by sharing the human side of success. Join us as we explore the unique perspectives and inspiring paths of those making a difference. In this edition we have Sowmya Panjaje from Edcite sharing her journey with us.

A. Software Development Career

1. What has been the biggest change you’ve witnessed in the world of software development for educational assessment products?

10 years ago, I remember the excitement around the potential of cloud-based software for the educational market; in terms of what could be accomplished by teachers going online and students taking charge of their own learning.

Khan Academy was popular at the time, along with the famous MOOCs Coursera and EdX. This was a shift from the established Learning Management Systems - Canvas, Blackboard, Moodle etc., in that there was no setup involved, no administrator needed, and one had to just sign on and get started.

For the K-12 market specifically, the conversations were around keeping students engaged while working online. That, and gamification were the highlights of several new platforms that sprung up (Kahoot, ClassDojo etc). It was also the time when HTML5 became the standard for the world wide web, and older technologies like Java Applets and Adobe Flash began to be phased out. 

2. The education sector faces unique challenges in user adoption of new technology.

How have you approached designing and implementing software that is user-friendly for both educators and students?

This is a good point - teachers would like to focus on teaching and do not want to spend significant time learning how to use a product. Students are less particular, but they too need to be able to focus on class or school work rather than on the technology used.

The best approach would be to keep things as simple as possible. Put yourself in the shoes of the user. One helpful thing about designing software for education is that every one of us has been a student; so it should be easier to think of what a student or teacher would be looking for in a given application, and the common bottlenecks they would encounter.

I would suggest resisting the temptation to add more and more features and functionality to a single program or page. Let the code or UI do just a few things - but what it does and doesn’t do, should be clearly articulated, both to the user and to the team.

3. Data security and student privacy are paramount in educational technology. How has your development process evolved to ensure the highest standards of data protection?

In recent years, there are increasing regulations surrounding the protection of student data that software vendors are required to comply with. Framing a comprehensive company policy is the first of several ongoing steps. We have also started with implementing some preliminary measures like regulating access to the data, avoiding downloading of student information, and data deletion and anonymization when data is not required to be identifiable.

4. The rise of AI raises questions about the future of jobs in software development. In your experience, what skills or areas of expertise will be most crucial for software engineers to thrive in a world increasingly influenced by AI?

I’m afraid I don’t have much experience working with AI, but what I’ve read about it and heard from others using it is this: to be able to extract working solutions from AI, one has to break the problem into very specific instructions and go through a few iterations of tweaking the prompts before getting a reasonable result. It’s interesting to note that you need to first be able to think of what your code should do, before you can expect the AI tool to figure it out for you.

Another useful bit of information is that coding-specific LLMs are supposedly easier to work with than general purpose ones like ChatGPT.

B. Work Life Balance

5. Balancing a demanding career in IT with personal life can be challenging. What strategies have you found helpful in achieving work-life balance?

This is something that needs to be consciously worked on! The nature of software work is such that one can’t always predict how long it will take to get something done. With hybrid work, it is difficult to set strict boundaries between work and personal time. A few strategies that I would vouch for are

a) Build a daily personal routine and stick to it. This makes you more efficient at doing certain repetitive tasks everyday and you free up your time to do the more demanding ones.

b) If possible, plan your most important work around the time of the day when you’re most alert.This doesn’t have to be a long stretch, even an hour or two of uninterrupted time is good enough to dedicate to focused work.

c) Switch off from work at the end of the day and give yourself some time to rest or to relax, before segueing into personal tasks. Don’t overschedule your day; be realistic about what you can take on.

C. Personal 

6. Outside of your professional life, what are some hobbies or interests that you are passionate about?

I do like to read, though it’s been difficult for me to read as frequently as I would like to. If nothing, I at least try to read the day’s newspapers! I also have an interest in music, and had enrolled in weekend lessons a few years ago.

7. Looking back on your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of, and why?

When I reflect on the projects I have completed, what strikes me is that almost all of them had one thing in common: they had data in some kind of unstructured form (by design or by chance) and my main goal was to devise some pattern or rule that would suit the data, and then build a program that would parse and use that data. One example was to merge two item types into a single item type that could perform the functions of both. It was not always straightforward, and there were many occasions when I felt I had come a long way but completion would be very hard, if not impossible. However, deciding to persevere has always worked. What I eventually achieved was not perfect; but it was the best that I could do at the time. Let perfect not be the enemy of good, is an approach that I have grown to appreciate most of all, over the years!

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