Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam
B.Sc., F.I.E. | March 21, 1923 – October 2, 2014"Smart work is better than hard work" is the maxim that suited the life of Thiru. P. Nachimuthu Gounder, who sought the best solution to people's transportation problems of his time — using bullock carts to help people. The limitations of bullock-cart transport prompted him to modernize, and Anamalais Transport came into existence, known today as ABT Limited, operating across the state.
The modernization of transport fuelled a vision for the importance of technical education — a dream realized by his son, Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam, a name synonymous with Pollachi. Motivated by his father's vision, the Nachimuthu Industrial Association Trust was established in 1956. The dream was cherished with the incorporation of Nachimuthu Polytechnic College in 1957, through which 120 rural students were made competent to work with modern technology.
As Chairman of NIA, he expanded its educational footprint from schooling to engineering. Within 50 years, NIA ventured into industrialization, education, finance, transportation, synthetic gems, textiles, agriculture and automobiles — offering not just jobs, but opportunities for rural students to gain knowledge and explore a fast-paced world. For his achievements in education and social welfare, he was conferred the Padma Bhushan by the Government of India in 2007.
Dr. M. Manickam
M.Sc., MBA.Dr. M. Manickam is the successor of Arutchelvar Dr. N. Mahalingam. A graduate of the University of Michigan with strong international exposure, he brings the calibre to lead industries and institutions together. He served as President of the All India Sugar Manufacturers Association (1996–1997) and the India Sugar Technologists Association (2000–2002).
The Chairman ensures that excellent technocrats are nurtured by the best institutions. Introducing his brainchild, "Earn While You Learn," to support students in need, he has stepped ahead of his predecessors by establishing tie-ups with reputed international institutions.
He has been honoured with a Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in recognition of his contributions to the management of Agro Processing Industries and Agricultural Development.
Shri. M. Hari Hara Sudhan
B.E., MS.Shri. Hari Hara Sudhan completed his B.E. (Mechanical) at PSG College of Technology, Coimbatore, followed by an MSc (Automobile Engineering) at the University of Bath, UK.
He underwent two years of training at Ford, UK, before taking charge as Executive Director of ABT Limited, Coimbatore — incorporated in 1931 to deal in transport and automobile industries. He has served as Correspondent of Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology since November 2012.
Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology was established in 1998 to offer 10 UG Engineering courses, 5 PG Engineering courses, an MCA programme, and 5 Research Programmes.
Dr. P. Govindasamy
B.E., M.E., Ph.D.Dr. P. Govindasamy, Principal & Joint Secretary of MCET, holds more than 30 years of experience in teaching, research and administration. He has occupied diverse roles including Principal, Vice Principal, Dean R&D, Director-IQAC, Dean Student Affairs, Head of Department, and BoS Chairman.
He received his Doctoral Degree in 2009 in Mechanical Engineering from Coimbatore Institute of Technology, his Master's Degree in Thermal Sciences – IC Engineering in 1992 from College of Engineering Guindy, Chennai, and his Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1989 from Kongu Engineering College, Erode.
He has published more than 56 research papers and 32 conference proceedings, and has received research grants from AICTE-ISTE STTP, CSIR and AICTE. He serves as Editor for the Journal of Petroleum and Alternative Fuels (JPTAF), has guided 100+ UG projects, and holds membership in ISTE, the Institution of Automobile Engineers (India), the Combustion Institute, SAE, the Institution of Valuers, ASME, SESI-ISA and IEEE. His research spans button gear shifters for two-wheelers, Petrol & LPG as alternative fuels for CI engines, and catalytic-coated cylinder head performance. He has travelled to Malaysia, Bangladesh, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan and Hong Kong for academic engagements.
Mr. Jeganraj Panneerselvam
Diploma in E.E.E, BBA, M.B.A (Marketing).,Mr. Jeganraj Panneerselvam is a Skill Development and Business Development professional with 10+ years of experience in skill development, government projects, business development, operations and industry engagement. He currently manages skill development initiatives at NIA Skill Foundation, including coordination of 20 Center of Excellence located at Dr. Mahalingam College of Engineering and Technology (MCET).
His portfolio covers the end-to-end lifecycle of government skill development projects, from EOI identification and proposal development to project approval, centre establishment, resource planning, mobilisation, training, assessment, certification, OJT and placement support across India.
He has handled major projects including Suryamitra (NISE), Vayumitra (NIWE), Karnataka Solar Power Development Corporation Limited (KSPDCL), Karnataka Renewable Energy Development Limited (KREDL), Vetrinichayam (TNSkills/TNSDC), NABARD funded Skill Development Programme and DDU-GKY 2.0.