On 29th January 2023, GCET hosted an insightful event featuring Prof. Parthesh
Mankodi, who initiated the session with the profound statement "Learning never stops."
The crux of the discourse focused on 21st-century skills, categorized into foundational
literacies, competencies, and character qualities. Prof. Mankodi delved into a
comprehensive overview of the top 10 skills in 2020, 2015, and anticipated skills for 2025,
identifying key elements such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, emotional
intelligence, and creativity. Emphasis was placed on the evolving multidisciplinary
approach prevalent in the professional sector over the past two decades. A pivotal moment
in the presentation involved a reflective pause, as a blank slide encouraged attendees to
contemplate the skills essential for thriving in the professional landscape of 2025.The
subsequent segment delved into design thinking, elucidating approaches from Stanford,
IBM, and MIT (reverse engineering). Prof. Mankodi underscored the importance of an all-
encompassing design, distinguishing between engineer thinking (focused on refinement)
and design thinking (focused on exploration) through vivid examples. The intertwining
threads of analysis and synthesis were highlighted, illustrating how these processes
collaboratively lead from problem recognition to innovative solutions. The event
concluded with Professor Mankodi's poignant advice: "Leave this campus not as graduates,
but as engineers. “This event served as a valuable platform for students of IT Department,
to gain insights into crucial skills, design methodologies, and the evolving landscape of
professional engineering, fostering a mindset that goes beyond graduation.
