Engineers Must Not Get Disheartened by Failures: IIT-Patna Head
Patna, January 8, 2026 – During the launch of a specialized training initiative for engineers from the state rural works department, T N Singh, the Director of the Indian Institute of Technology-Patna (IIT-P), emphasized the vital role of civil engineers in the progress of the nation. The training program, which spans 12 days, aims to enhance the skills of engineers in critical areas of rural infrastructure.
The Importance of Civil Engineers
Singh highlighted that civil engineers are essential to national development as they are responsible for designing and maintaining critical infrastructure such as roads, bridges, water systems, and buildings. These infrastructures are foundational to economic growth, public welfare, and overall quality of life.
Furthermore, Singh pointed out that civil engineers play a crucial role in ensuring safety, sustainability, and resilience against challenges, particularly those posed by climate change. He referred to them as “community builders” who create the physical foundations necessary for societal progress, impacting various aspects of daily life.
Training Program Overview
The training program, organized by the civil and environmental engineering department of IIT-P, is designed to build the capacity of approximately 60 engineers from the state rural works department (RWD). The initiative aims to improve the quality and resilience of rural infrastructure in Bihar.
According to Vaibhav Singhal, the program convener, the training sessions will focus on several critical topics, including:
- Hydraulic studies
- Bridge waterway hydraulics and scour protection
- Geotechnical investigation and foundation design
- Bridge design
- Pavement engineering
Learning from Failures
During the inauguration, Singh addressed a common challenge faced by engineers: criticism stemming from project failures. He urged engineers not to be disheartened by such criticisms. Instead, he encouraged them to view failures as opportunities for learning and improvement.
“The engineers often face criticism for the failure of their projects, but they should never get disheartened by these criticisms; rather, they should learn from their mistakes and improve the quality of their work,” Singh stated. This perspective is vital for fostering a culture of resilience and continuous improvement within the engineering community.
Expert Contributions
The training program features contributions from various experts in the field. Notable figures include:
- Ramakar Jha from NIT-Patna
- Subrata Hait
- Nitin Kumar
- Arvind Kumar Jha
- Arpit Jain from IIT-P
These experts will interact with the trainees, providing them with essential insights and inputs related to civil engineering works.
Conclusion
The training initiative at IIT-Patna represents a significant step towards enhancing the capabilities of civil engineers in Bihar. By focusing on critical aspects of rural infrastructure and encouraging a mindset of resilience in the face of failure, the program aims to empower engineers to contribute effectively to national development.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on the statements made during the training program launch and reflects the views of the IIT-Patna Director and other contributors.
