A.N. Santhosh Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, JSS Science and Technology University (JSS STU), Mysuru, said on Friday that degrees may help students secure their first job, but long-term success depends on personality, values, attitude, and core competencies.

Inaugurating a three-day annual cultural fest, ‘VIDYUTH–2026’, at the Vidyavardhaka College of Engineering (VVCE) here, he said the real purpose of education is not merely to earn money or secure placements, but to refine human behaviour, cultivate the right attitude, and build a strong character.

He observed that society conditions children from a young age to believe that academic scores, placements, and high-paying jobs alone define success. While acknowledging the importance of wealth and economic growth, he questioned whether financial success should be the sole aim of education. He stressed that education must help students understand society better, develop socially acceptable behaviour, and make informed decisions with the right perspective.

Warning students against forming instant opinions based on appearances or social media narratives, he urged them to think critically and gather complete information before making judgments.

Highlighting industry expectations, the Vice-Chancellor noted that recruiters today are more concerned about attitude and behaviour than technical knowledge. “Companies can train graduates technically within a few months, but changing one’s attitude is much more difficult,” he remarked.

Speaking on technological advancements, he said emerging fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Semiconductors, Quantum Computing, Electric Vehicles, Nanoscience, and Genetic Engineering would create enormous opportunities in the coming years. He dismissed fears that AI would completely replace jobs and asserted that engineers would continue to play a vital role in nation-building.

Predicting a strong revival of traditional engineering streams, he said civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering would regain prominence due to rapid infrastructure growth and increasing industrial demands across the country. He pointed out that excessive focus on IT-related branches over the past decade has now created a shortage of skilled engineers in core sectors.

Earlier, Sadashive Gowda, principal, VVCE, said VIDYUTH-2026 celebrates culture as the soul of society and plays an important role in preserving traditions, values, art, and heritage.

The three-day fest features cultural competitions, gaming events, an auto expo, a treasure hunt, fashion events, celebrity performances, and a blood donation camp organised in association with the NSS and Red Cross. Renowned singer Raghu Dixit will perform during the grand Sandalwood night finale on May 10.

Gundappa Gowda, president of Vidyavardhaka Sangha, P. Vishwanath, secretary of Vidyavardhaka Sangha, Shrishaila Ramannavar, treasurer, VVS, Shobha Shankar, vice-principal, VVCE, dean Naveen Prakash, and Gowri Shankar, cultural secretary, were also present.