Srinagar, February 25: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar hosted distinguished alumnus Dr. Raju Pakalapati, a 1989 pass-out of the Department of Chemical Engineering, for an alumni lecture that drew participation from over 100 students on campus.
The lecture is part of the Life Beyond Classroom (LBC) series, organised by the Department of Chemical Engineering in coordination with the Dean, Alumni & International Affairs, focused on bridging academic learning with industry realities and preparing students for global engineering careers.
Dr Pakalapati, who holds a PhD in Chemical Engineering from the United States, shared insights from his 27-year career at ExxonMobil, where he served in key technical and engineering management roles across upstream field production and advanced engineering functions.
Having worked across multiple US states, including Texas, Louisiana, California, and Mississippi, and on international assignments in Russia, West Africa, Iraq, Angola and the Middle East, he spoke about the importance of adaptability in diverse operational and cultural environments.
Addressing students, Dr Pakalapati underlined that “vision is essential for long-term career success,” urging them to define clear goals early and align personal aspirations with organisational objectives. He emphasised that while CGPA plays a critical role in initial shortlisting, especially for fresh graduates, it is not a standalone measure of success.
“Companies evaluate integrity, communication skills, problem-solving ability and mindset alongside academic performance,” he said, adding that trust, ethical conduct and professional reputation often determine long-term growth.
Drawing from his industry experience, he said employers value candidates who demonstrate practical skills, real-world knowledge and a willingness to learn. Cultural fit and attitude, he noted, matter as much as technical competence.
Encouraging students to pursue careers aligned with their interests and strengths, Dr Pakalapati stressed that passion drives performance and sustainable growth. He also highlighted the need for continuous self-improvement to stay relevant in a rapidly evolving energy and technology landscape.
Dr Pakalapati pursued doctoral research in the US before briefly undertaking postdoctoral work and joining ExxonMobil. His career represents a blend of rigorous academic grounding and hands-on production experience, a combination he described as increasingly vital in complex engineering sectors.
Currently working as an independent consultant, Dr Pakalapati has founded “Integral Excellence,” an initiative aimed at mentoring engineering students and young professionals in building technical depth, leadership skills and personal balance.
In his message, Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia, said interactions with accomplished alumni such as Dr Pakalapati provide students with invaluable exposure to global industry practices and emerging technological trends.
He emphasised that such engagements strengthen the institute’s academic ecosystem and inspire students to strive for excellence with integrity and innovation.
Registrar Prof. Atikur Rehman also lauded the initiative, stating that alumni connect programmes play a vital role in fostering industry-academia collaboration and broadening students’ professional horizons.
Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. M A Shah, described the lecture as timely and relevant, particularly in the context of global climate and energy challenges.
Prof. Shah said academicians and industry leaders must work together to equip young engineers with sustainable and future-ready solutions to address evolving environmental and technological demands.
