Voices from the Spectrum
Mr. Mukund Joshi — Pioneering AAC Blocks in India
I present “Voices from the Spectrum” to you, a series that aims to delve into the richness and complexities of various industries and disciplines related to civil engineering through the insights of a wise practitioner.
During the current period of sweeping changes and paradigm shifts, it is vital to learn from those market leaders who have been particularly successful in their endeavors. Through these programs, we seek to contribute to opening up the rich civil engineering and more, stimulating debate and providing perspective.
Today, in our first episode, we have the privilege of presenting Mukund Joshi Sir , a civil engineering evangelist. Joshi sir is truly a person who has taken his talents across continents and whose work is etched into the history of some of the most important and prestigious projects. Such a designation as an AAC Technologist and authoring the column called “AAC Blocks For Superior Masonry Construction” makes him a pioneer of the industry. Towering structures such as the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the Bahrain Financial Centre, and the Kaiga Atomic Reactor near Goa are some of the structures on which Joshi sir has worked in his career.
As we embark on this enlightening conversation, our goal is to gain valuable information about the rapidly changing industry and to reveal the knowledge and lessons Joshi sir gained during his successful career path.
Ques: Sir, what inspired you to pursue a career in concrete technology and what keeps you passionate about this field?
Ans: When I studied concrete technology during my engineering course, it was such a dull subject! Because my professor had probably never worked in the field himself — as is the case with many engineering colleges in India.
However, once I began working as a graduate engineer in construction companies, every thing changed. I remember in 1996, I got a job in a QC department on a prominent project in Mumbai. As part of my work, I had to design the mixes. Hence I had to go back to the concrete technology books again. And what a surprise! The books which I had thought were boring became a great source of insight for me.
With every passing day, my passion in concrete grew. I began to read more began to attend several workshops/seminars/conferences on concrete technology. Remember, there was no internet that time — all we had was at the most e-mails. So, we valued each opportunity and made the best use of it.
It was just a matter of a few years, and I was pleasantly surprised when people began approaching me for consulting for their projects. Every day became a new challenge and gave me a new sense of accomplishment.
This was how my career began in concrete technology and kept the passion alive.Ques: There’s been a decline in student interest in civil engineering. What do you believe are the main misconceptions contributing to this decline, and how can we reshape students’ perceptions to highlight the exciting opportunities and impact civil engineering offers?
Ans: Civil engineering is a blue-collar job — it is not a misconception — it is a truth.
However, civil engineering is far more rewarding in terms of job satisfaction than- let’s say, sitting in the office and doing coding.
This beautiful aspect of civil engineering — that everything is hands-on — is not easy to communicate to the students.
Unfortunately, we relate civil engineering with the sun, the heat, the sweat and the dust.
For me, civil engineering is about the charm of creativity, the joy of planning, the excitement of getting things done.
How do we convey this charm, joy, and excitement to the students? That is the question.Ques: What gaps do you see in the current Indian education system for civil engineering, particularly regarding concrete technology training?
Ans: Of course, the biggest gap is that there is no hands-on work internship for the students. How can we provide a meaningful one year on the job work training to students?Ques: What innovations in concrete technology should Indian engineering students be aware of, and how can they stay updated?
Ans: Apart from high-strength concrete (beyond 100MPa strength), AAC blocks also offer exciting new domains for the students.Ques: What key challenges should aspiring civil engineers be prepared for, and how can they best overcome these obstacles?
Ans: The question is, how do the students strengthen their basics of engineering?
How can they really understand what is strength of materials (SOM), Concrete Technology, Structural Design, and Foundation engineering?
No, I am not talking about passing the exam — but can a student pick one of these subjects and really try to “UNDERSTAND” what the book is saying?
This one aspect alone can make a student fall in love with civil engineering.
This episode of “Voices from the Spectrum” features the story of Mukund Joshi Sir’s traverse through the world of concrete technology that emanates innocence of a metamorphosis when passion intertwines with opportunity. As such, his narrative elucidates the value of practicing and learning across sectors, enabling a delegate to advance significant experience and interest in civil engineering. During the conversation about misconception, education deficiency, and new development, Joshi sir informs that some relevant issues are the need for practicum, knowledge of the new technology, and understanding of the core knowledge and facts. The future civil engineers are invited to step up to the call and properly fall in love with civil engineering’s intrinsic charm and nerdery, working hard to improve. Accordingly, Joshi sir’s knowledge shines the light of hope for future generations to be enlightened with valuable lessons on attaining a worthwhile and meaningful profession in civil engineering where knowledge, innovation, and the drive to excel define one’s achievement.
