Srinagar, Jan 19 : The Department of Chemical Engineering, in collaboration with the Dean Alumni and International Affairs, National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, on Monday organised an interactive session with renowned innovator and industrialist Dr. Pradeep Tyle, a distinguished alumnus of the institute, under its flagship Life Beyond Classroom (LBC) programme.
The interaction, held at the Department of Chemical Engineering, witnessed enthusiastic participation from faculty members, research scholars and students. The programme aimed at bridging the gap between academics and industry by exposing students to real-world industrial experiences, innovation-driven thinking and global professional practices.
Dr. Pradeep Tyle, an alumnus of the 1977 batch of Regional Engineering College (REC) Srinagar, now NIT Srinagar, is a globally recognised name in the Flexible Packaging Industry with over four decades of professional experience.
Over his distinguished career, he has held several key leadership positions, including Group President – Films Business at UFLEX, and is currently the Founder of PTA Advisors LLP, where he advises multinational corporations on strategy, innovation and growth.
With business exposure spanning more than 120 countries, Dr. Tyle is presently serving as an advisor to promoters of packaging companies across the globe.
During the interaction, Dr. Tyle highlighted the critical role of innovation in today’s highly competitive global environment. He emphasised that technical knowledge alone is not sufficient and underscored the importance of adaptability, ethical values, exposure and continuous learning.
“Innovation is the key driver of growth in the modern world. Students must remain curious, open to new ideas and prepared to evolve with rapidly changing technologies,” he said, encouraging students to think beyond conventional classroom learning.
Dr. Tyle also shared insights from his extensive experience across diverse domains, including management, business expansion, sales and marketing, product development and manufacturing.
Reflecting on his professional journey from REC Srinagar to becoming a global industry expert, he urged students to remain connected with their alma mater and contribute positively to society while upholding strong human values.
The programme was attended by Head of the Department of Chemical Engineering, Dr. F. Q. Mir, along with faculty members including Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Dr. Tanveer Rasool and Dr. Malik Parveez. Dr. Tyle was accompanied by his family, who also interacted with the faculty and staff of the institute.
The event was jointly organised by the Dean Alumni Office and the Department of Chemical Engineering, with Dr. Harveer Singh Pali, Associate Dean, Alumni and International Affairs, serving as the programme coordinator.
During his visit, Dr. Tyle also interacted with In-charge Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz Mir, and discussed various academic, research and industry–institute collaboration opportunities.
He later visited the laboratories of the Department of Chemical Engineering and interacted with Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. M. Hanief, Prof. Adnan Qayoum and other faculty members.
Dr. Tyle lauded the sustained efforts of Prof. M. A. Shah, Dean Alumni and International Affairs, for strengthening alumni engagement and building a vibrant global alumni network of NIT Srinagar.
He appreciated the initiatives taken by the Alumni Office to reconnect former students with the institute and create meaningful platforms for mentorship, knowledge sharing and collaboration.
Later, Dr. Tyle and his family visited the Training and Placement Department, where he met Head, Training and Placement, Prof. A. A. Mir.
The discussion focused on enhancing placement and internship opportunities for students and strengthening industry engagement. Dr. Tyle offered several suggestions to expand industry linkages and improve student employability. He also met Dr. Sheikh Shahid Saleem and other officials to deliberate on further collaboration initiatives. (KNS)
