“Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire.” This timeless quote by William Butler Yeats captures something many of us have forgotten in today’s fast-paced, result-driven world. Education, at its very core, is meant to inspire, not just inform. It's meant to raise questions, not just deliver answers. Today, when learning is all but limited to good grades, rankings, and placements, it is high time that we pause and ask, 'What is the true purpose of education? Is it only about getting employment, or is it more about empowerment?

This deeper understanding of education finds a living reflection in Ms. S.J. Rakshana, the CEO and Trustee of Jerusalem College of Engineering. For her, building character, curiosity and conscience is what defines academia. She is someone who truly believes that learning is a lifelong journey, and through her work she is transforming young minds into purposeful professionals and socially responsible citizens.

Jerusalem College of Engineering

Jerusalem College of Engineering (JCE) was established in the year 1995 under the umbrella of the Jerusalem Education Trust to impart quality engineering education. Over the past three decades, the college has carved its name as an institution which offers excellent engineering education.

Situated close to some of the city’s premier educational institutions and Chennai’s buzzing IT corridor, the campus is ideally positioned to bridge the world of learning and work. In 2019, the college earned its autonomous status from the University Grants Commission, a key milestone in its journey. But what sets JCE apart is not just its infrastructure or location but its people. The faculty is a balanced mix of academic thinkers and industry professionals, offering students the best of both worlds. The alumni network, spread across national and international roles, continues to bring pride to the institution.

The institution is accredited by NAAC and has NBA accreditations for its B.E. Biomedical Engineering, B.E. Computer Science and Engineering, B.E. Electronics and Communication Engineering, and B.Tech. Information Technology programs. With committed and competent faculty and a well-designed curriculum to keep up with the changing industrial and market needs, the college continuously strives for academic excellence and improvement.

JCE offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in Engineering and Technology, along with a dedicated MBA program. To ensure students are ready for employment, the institution mandates internships during the course duration and conducts various value-added courses. The college also provides special coaching for GATE and other competitive examinations while frequently organising programs and seminars to guide students towards higher studies both in India and abroad.

Vision, Mission and the Path Ahead

JCE operates with a strong vision—to emerge as an international institution of excellence in imparting the finest quality engineering, technology and management education rooted in ethical and societal values through various academic programmes, multidisciplinary research, consultancy and entrepreneurship activities, and hence contribute towards social transformation and nation building.

The mission of the college reflects this commitment. By generating abundant resources and making conducive policies, the management led by the chairperson strives towards promoting globally competitive academic programmes augmented with value-added courses, in-plant training, co-curricular activities and an ambience that supports intellectual growth and skill acquisition.

The college also promotes collaborative transborder research programmes and continuing education in synergy with academia, industries and research organisations, leading to real-time solutions and lifelong learning.

Its goal is to transform young men and women into competent professionals and entrepreneurs, motivated by a passion for professional excellence, driven by human values and proactively engaged in the betterment of society through innovative practices and academic excellence. The college also facilitates effective interaction among faculty members and students and fosters a network of alumni, industries, institutions and other stakeholders for successful career gain and placement.

The Force Behind the Vision

For Ms. Rakshana, education is a continuous and lifelong journey. She believes that the true purpose of education is to create a wholesome individual who is intellectually strong, socially conscious, and ethically grounded. She draws inspiration from the words of Swami Vivekananda: “Education is the manifestation of perfection already in man, and it must provide life-building, man-making, character-making assimilation of ideas contributing towards nation-building.”

She believes that knowledge lies within every individual, much like a spark in a piece of flint, and all that is needed is a strike of suggestion to bring it out. “A true teacher is one who can come down to the level of students and transfer his soul to the students’ soul,” shares Ms. Rakshana. “Our students are shining in all aspects, be it academics, extracurricular or co-curricular activities.” 

Inspired deeply by the transformative power of education, her motivation is rooted in a lifelong love for education and a belief in its ability to shape individuals and communities. She carries forward the legacy of the Founder and Managing Trustees of the institution, driven by a strong desire to contribute meaningfully to society.

What motivates her is the power of education to bridge social divides, promote equality, and fuel economic growth. Her vision is to create a space where students can explore their interests, refine their skills, and grow into thoughtful leaders. By providing quality education, Ms. Rakshana aims to empower individuals from all walks of life and contributes to building a more informed, compassionate, and progressive society.

Under her leadership, the institution aims to become a beacon of excellence, nurturing individuals who not only succeed in their professions but also make meaningful contributions to the world around them.

Leading Through Change

Like many academic institutions in today’s world, JCE operates in a highly competitive, global education environment. One of the biggest challenges it has faced is shifting student mindsets from an exam-oriented approach to one that values skill development and practical learning. The college also continues to explore how technical education can be used to develop real solutions to socio-ecological issues.

Standing right at the front of these efforts is Ms. Rakshana. As a leader, her most significant accomplishment has been spearheading a comprehensive transformation project at the institution. With a clear goal to modernise the curriculum and enhance teaching methods, she led the initiative to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. The curriculum was updated to focus more on practical skills and industry-relevant content, ensuring that students are better prepared for real-world challenges.

Under her leadership, cutting-edge educational technology was integrated into classrooms, and extensive training was provided to faculty so they could adapt to new tools and teaching techniques. Feedback mechanisms were also strengthened, allowing students to play an active role in shaping their own educational experience.

Her learnings from this journey were as valuable as the results themselves. The project reaffirmed her belief in the power of collaboration among all stakeholders, including faculty, students, and administration. She discovered the importance of staying open to feedback and making adjustments along the way. By delegating responsibilities and encouraging ownership among her team, she nurtured a culture of accountability and motivation. Most importantly, she emphasised the value of regular evaluation, which helped the institution stay focused and continue improving with every step forward.

The JCE Difference

JCE stands apart in the academic landscape through its fundamental values that have remained constant over the years. These values serve as guiding principles, shaping the institution’s culture, mission, and long-term vision.

The college prioritises delivering high-quality education through rigorous academic standards, innovative teaching methods, and a strong focus on research and scholarship. Honesty, fairness, and accountability are upheld in all aspects of the institution, fostering trust among students, faculty, and the broader community. A deep commitment to inclusivity ensures that individuals from all backgrounds feel valued and respected.

JCE encourages a spirit of curiosity and continuous learning, preparing students for both personal growth and professional success throughout their lives. Student-centric decision-making remains at the heart of all initiatives, ensuring their academic, personal, and professional development is always prioritised. The institution also champions environmental stewardship, promoting responsible practices for the benefit of future generations.

Strong community engagement through outreach programs, partnerships, and service-learning initiatives reflects the college’s dedication to societal development. Additionally, the college embraces change and creativity, ensuring it stays relevant in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

What sets JCE apart are its specialised programs tailored to industry needs, including cutting-edge technology courses and niche fields of study. Its state-of-the-art facilities and resources greatly enhance learning experiences. The institution maintains strong industry partnerships, providing students with internships, mentorships, and career opportunities.

Its high-quality faculty, known for their subject expertise, lead research initiatives that contribute to both academic innovation and societal progress. The college fosters personalised learning experiences through small class sizes and mentorship programs. It also offers comprehensive student support services, including mental health resources and career counselling.

The institution’s active involvement in local communities and a strong reputation built on alumni success stories and consistent academic achievements continue to reinforce its competitive advantage in the higher education space.

Defining Success Through Purpose and Progress

For JCE, success is measured by its consistent ability to achieve its mission while fostering positive outcomes for students, faculty, and the broader community. True success lies in ensuring high academic performance and mastery of course content, particularly through strong GPA scores and first-year performance in core subjects. The institution places equal importance on students’ year-to-year persistence and timely degree completion.

Success also means creating an environment where students feel a sense of belonging, self-efficacy, and confidence in navigating both academic and social challenges. Offering innovative curricula aligned with current industry demands remains a priority, as does producing impactful research that contributes meaningfully to societal progress. Through robust outreach programs and strategic partnerships, the college continues to drive social development. These ideals have been reflected in the numerous recognitions and milestones earned by the institution over the years.

• Brilliance Badge B-School ranked in the DIAMOND BAND with Grade A+ by India’s Finest B-School Rankings 2024

• Certificate of Outstanding Service by MHW Rankings 2023

• Certificate of Excellence in OBE Rankings 2023 by R World Institutional Rankings

• Diamond Band in India for ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE by India Academia Rankings 2023

• Gold Band in Employability and Startup Ecosystem Rankings 2023 by R World Institutional Rankings

• AAA rating by CAREERS 360 under India’s Best Engineering Institutes 2023

• Gold Certificate of Appreciation by Energy Swaraj Foundation

• Band – Performer Certificate of Achievement by National Sustainability Impact Institution’s Ranking

• Best Supporting College Award 2023-2024 by CSI

• Best Project Award 2024 by CSI

• *ISF Best Student Volunteer Award 2023

• Indira Gandhi National NSS Award in 2016

What Lies Ahead for JCE

Ms. Rakshana believes in building relationships with companies for internships, apprenticeships, and curriculum development to bridge the gap between education and workforce needs. At present, JCE is focused on expanding cross-border programs that allow students to engage in international projects, aligning with global industry trends. Ms. Rakshana emphasises the importance of training educators to leverage new technologies and innovative teaching methods, ensuring they remain effective in engaging students. By enhancing social engagement programs and mental health resources, she aims to improve retention rates and overall student satisfaction.

Currently, the most important focus for Ms. Rakshana is embracing digital transformation and enhancing institutional quality. She is steering the college towards remaining competitive, relevant, and impactful in the rapidly evolving education sector. This involves leveraging technology, fostering innovation, and prioritising student outcomes, all while maintaining trust and resilience.

The educational industry is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by technological advancements, evolving learner expectations, and the demand for flexible and inclusive learning models. To thrive in this future, Ms. Rakshana is committed to strategic adaptation while staying true to the college’s core values. By embracing technological innovations such as AI, adaptive learning, and eLearning, and continuing to encourage inclusivity, flexibility, and industry collaboration, she is positioning JCE as a leader in the future of education. Her visionary leadership ensures the institution will stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape, delivering exceptional value to students and society at large.

Leadership Mantra

Entering the education industry or starting your own business in this field can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavour. Advising aspiring entrepreneurs, Ms. Rakshana shares, “Determine what specific area of education you want to focus on. Research market demands to identify gaps that your business can fill. Work closely with educators or administrators to learn about their challenges and needs.

Create a clear business plan outlining your goals, target audience, financial strategy, and operational framework. Stay updated on emerging trends like adaptive learning systems and mobile education platforms. Prioritise delivering high-quality education by hiring skilled professionals and using evidence-based teaching methods.

Regularly evaluate and improve your programs based on student outcomes and feedback. Establish partnerships with schools, community organisations, or businesses to expand your reach and credibility. And lastly, network with other professionals in the industry to learn from their experiences and gain insights into best practices.”