Sandeep Shrestha is the Principal at Samriddhi College. He is also the Board of Director at Samriddhi School and Kathmandu Business Campus. Additionally, he serves as the Joint Secretary of HISSAN Bagmati Province. He shared his view with College Readers. Excerpts:

What inspired you to introduce an IT course in your college?

The primary motivation behind establishing an IT course at our college stems from my personal experience and expertise in the field. As an IT student myself, I pursued a bachelor's degree in IT and achieved the top position in my university. Subsequently, I even established my own IT company. However, during my professional journey, I encountered a scarcity of highly skilled professionals in the IT sector. This scarcity prompted a collective realization among us that we should take the initiative to cultivate skilled manpower in the IT industry. After a careful consideration, we concluded that the most effective course for achieving this goal would be a BSc.-CSIT (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Information Technology) program. By introducing this course, we aimed to provide our students with world-class knowledge and expertise in the field of IT. We strongly believe that by offering a comprehensive curriculum and leveraging the latest technologies, our students can become proficient in various IT domains. Our intention is to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel not only within Nepal but also on an international level. It brings us immense pride to see our students not only excelling academically but also venturing into the realm of entrepreneurship. Many of our graduates have gone on to establish their own successful IT companies, contributing to the growth and innovation within the industry in Nepal. This tangible impact further fuels our motivation to continue offering high-quality IT education, empowering aspiring individuals to become skilled professionals and entrepreneurs in the ever-evolving IT landscape.

What are the potential opportunities and prospects that lie ahead in the field of Information Technology (IT)?

The future prospects of Information Technology (IT) are continually expanding and evolving. While many industries faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, the IT industry emerged as a resilient and essential sector. Its ability to facilitate remote work and provide digital solutions played a crucial role in enabling business continuity. The impact of IT can be witnessed in almost every aspect of our lives. It has revolutionized the way we work, allowing individuals to seamlessly collaborate and operate from the comfort of their homes. This shift towards remote work has not only increased productivity but has also provided flexibility and improved work-life balance. Furthermore, IT has simplified and accelerated financial transactions through mobile banking and digital payment systems. This convenience has transformed the way we conduct financial transactions, making it easier and more efficient. The scope of IT is not limited to specific sectors; it permeates across industries. From research and development to agriculture, IT plays a significant role in enhancing efficiency and productivity. In the research sector, IT facilitates data analysis, simulation modeling, and advanced research methodologies. In agriculture, IT is utilized for precision farming, automated irrigation systems, and crop monitoring, leading to improved crop yields and resource optimization. As technology continues to advance, the prospects for IT are expected to broaden even further. Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, blockchain, and the Internet of Things (IoT) present exciting opportunities for innovation and growth in various sectors. These advancements will likely reshape industries, create new job roles, and drive economic development. In summary, the future prospects of IT are promising and expansive. The industry's resilience, ability to simplify tasks, and its impact across diverse sectors indicate a continual growth trajectory. Embracing emerging technologies and staying updated with the latest trends will be crucial for individuals and businesses to leverage the full potential of IT in the coming years.

How can we make Information Technology (IT) accessible and user-friendly for everyone while ensuring its continuous updating and improvement?

To ensure that Information Technology (IT) remains inclusive and up-to-date, we have implemented strategies within our curriculum. We follow the revised course provided by Tribhuvan University, ensuring that our students are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills. Recognizing the rapidly evolving nature of the IT industry, we have taken steps to update our courses regularly. In fact, we strive to introduce annual updates to the IT curriculum to keep pace with technological advancements. This proactive approach allows us to address emerging trends and technologies promptly, ensuring our students receive relevant and cutting-edge education. To facilitate this continuous updating process without creating obstacles for students, we have incorporated non-credit courses into our curriculum. These non-credit courses cover various specialized areas such as game designing, mobile programming, and react, among others. By offering these courses, we provide opportunities for students to explore new technologies and acquire additional skills beyond the core curriculum. This approach allows us to introduce new courses in each semester, accommodating the ever-changing landscape of IT. In our commitment to providing the most relevant and practical education, we engage professionals from the IT industry. We invite experienced individuals from the industry to deliver these non-credit courses to our students. By doing so, we ensure that our students receive insights and expertise directly from practitioners who are actively involved in the field. This industry collaboration enriches the learning experience and helps Students Bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications. Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of continuous learning and professional development for our faculty members. We encourage them to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the IT industry. This allows us to maintain a dynamic and responsive approach to education, incorporating new concepts and methodologies into our teaching practices. By incorporating regular curriculum revisions, offering non-credit courses, and fostering industry collaborations, we strive to make IT education accessible, relevant, and user-friendly for all our students. Our goal is to prepare them for the dynamic IT landscape, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their careers and contribute to the ever-evolving IT industry.

To effectively operate Bagmati HISSAN, which has been recently established, what steps and measures should be taken?

In order to successfully run Bagmati HISSAN, which is in its early stages of establishment, it is crucial to implement various activities and events across different domains, with a particular focus on education. One key aspect is organizing meetings and seminars to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among member colleges. To ensure the effectiveness of our plans, we have developed comprehensive strategies and initiatives. These plans encompass a wide range of areas, including curriculum development, student support services, faculty development, and quality assurance measures. By implementing these strategies, we aim to enhance the overall educational experience and outcomes for students within the Bagmati HISSAN network. However, to turn our conceptual ideas into tangible successes, it is essential to secure the support and participation of different colleges. Collaboration and active engagement from member colleges will play a pivotal role in the successful implementation of our initiatives. By fostering a sense of ownership and collective responsibility, we can create a dynamic and supportive environment within Bagmati HISSAN. As an organization in its nascent stage, we acknowledge that our concepts and plans are in the initial phase. Therefore, it is crucial to continuously evaluate and refine our strategies based on feedback and emerging needs. Regular assessments and feedback loops will help us identify areas of improvement and ensure that our activities align with the evolving requirements of member colleges. Moreover, maintaining effective communication channels and establishing robust coordination mechanisms will be essential for the smooth functioning of Bagmati HISSAN. Timely dissemination of information, transparent decision-making processes, and active involvement of all stakeholders will contribute to the overall success of the organization. In summary, running Bagmati HISSAN requires conducting various activities and events in the field of education while seeking support from member colleges. It is important to continually refine and adapt our plans, foster collaboration, and establish effective communication channels to ensure the organization's success in its early stages of operation.

What message would you like to deliver to high school graduates who aspire to study abroad?

In my perspective, students who have a desire to explore new environments often consider studying abroad. They believe that going abroad offers them opportunities to earn higher incomes and provides flexibility in choosing their desired courses. However, it is important to note that Nepal also offers updated and internationally recognized courses. In Nepal, educational institutions have made significant advancements in providing quality education that is on par with international standards. Therefore, I encourage students to carefully consider their options and choose colleges within Nepal that possess proper infrastructure and a track record of producing excellent results. By selecting reputable educational institutions within Nepal, students can acquire the same knowledge and courses they seek abroad. These institutions are equipped with competent faculty members who offer expertise in various fields. Additionally, these colleges often collaborate with international universities and organizations, enabling students to gain exposure to global perspectives and experiences without leaving the country. Moreover, studying in Nepal allows students to stay connected with their culture, language, and community. They can contribute to the development of their home country by utilizing their skills and knowledge gained locally. Furthermore, the cost of education and living expenses may be comparatively lower in Nepal, making it a more financially viable option for many students and their families. I want to emphasize that while studying abroad can be an enriching experience, students should consider all aspects and explore the opportunities available within Nepal. By choosing the right college and taking advantage of the updated courses and infrastructure in Nepal, students can receive a high-quality education and embark on successful careers while staying connected to their roots.

What are the reasons behind your recommendation for students to choose Samriddhi College for their IT studies?

Samriddhi College is an ideal choice for students to pursue their IT studies for several compelling reasons. Firstly, our college has consistently produced outstanding academic outcomes and remarkable results. Our students have excelled in their studies, reflecting the high quality of education and dedicated faculty at our institution. One of the key strengths of Samriddhi College lies in its state-of-the-art facilities. We boast four well-equipped computer labs, a microprocessor lab, a physics lab, a networking lab, and other specialized laboratories. These labs provide students with hands-on practical experience, allowing them to apply theoretical concepts and develop essential technical skills. We prioritize the provision of top-notch infrastructure to ensure that our students have the necessary resources for an immersive and comprehensive learning experience. Ensuring promising career prospects for our students is another aspect we prioritize at Samriddhi College. We have established strong connections and partnerships with various IT companies, leading to numerous placement opportunities for our graduates. Our collaboration with the Ministry of Education (MOE) in the IT industry further enhances our students' employability and industry relevance. In addition to the core curriculum, we go the extra mile to offer non-credit courses to our students. These additional courses cover a wide range of topics and technologies, providing students with opportunities to expand their skill set beyond the standard curriculum. Moreover, we emphasize project-based learning, which encourages students to apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, fostering creativity, problem-solving abilities, and teamwork. At Samriddhi College, we are committed to nurturing well-rounded IT professionals who possess not only technical expertise but also a strong foundation in critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills. Our faculty members are highly experienced and dedicated, providing guidance and mentorship to students throughout their academic journey. Samriddhi College stands out as an excellent choice for IT studies due to its exceptional academic outcomes, robust infrastructure, placement opportunities, industry collaborations, and focus on enhancing students' skills through non-credit courses and project-based learning. We are dedicated to providing a holistic education that equips students with the knowledge, practical skills, and industry exposure necessary for a successful career in the IT field.