Parul University students explored Mumbai’s engineering marvels, from highways to skyscrapers, learning lessons in innovation, leadership, sustainability, and people-centric construction.
Mumbai: A Living Classroom
The first glimpse of Mumbai’s skyline left Parul University students wide-eyed with wonder. The city wasn’t just a backdrop — it was alive with ambition and innovation. Cranes swayed, skyscrapers rose, and streets pulsed with energy, making Mumbai itself the ultimate classroom.
Bold Career Lessons from MSRDC
The journey began with Shri Manuj Jindal, IAS officer and Joint MD of MSRDC, who showcased massive infrastructure projects like the Shakti Peak Highway, the Samruddhi Highway, and the proposed Inland Coastal Expressway.
But his most powerful advice resonated beyond the projects:
“You need not be future Manuj Jindal; just be yourself.”
Students learned that taking career risks, leaving everything on the line, and stepping forward without a fully mapped path is not just acceptable — it’s essential.
Vision, Passion, and Early Career Foundations
At Wadhwa Group, Yashodhan Tere emphasized vision, dedication, and breaking large goals into achievable milestones.
“There are no mistakes, only experiences.”
His energy inspired students to approach learning and ownership of tasks with confidence and curiosity, appreciating that early career experiences lay the groundwork for long-term success.
Innovation on the Ground: Mumbai Coastal Roads
At Larsen & Toubro, students explored the Mumbai Coastal Roads project with Sandeep Singh and Gopinath Alla. From monopile-supported pillars to advanced tunneling techniques, students witnessed innovation in action.
The key takeaway: engineering success demands planning, environmental sensitivity, and professional ethics alongside technical skill. Observing these principles in a live project highlighted the importance of accountability and attention to detail.
Architecture Beyond Buildings
Architecture sessions added new dimensions to learning. P.K. Das reminded students that architecture is about relationships, human experience, and environmental integration.
Rahul Kadri of IMK Architects showcased sustainable urbanism and biophilic design, demonstrating how conscious architecture can educate and improve society. Students began to see design, ethics, and functionality as inseparable.
People-Centric Construction and Leadership
The human side of construction was emphasized by Aditya Nayan Shah of MayFair Housing and Santosh Rai of Hindustan Construction Company. Through mentoring stories, stakeholder care, and lessons from decades in infrastructure, students learned that technical expertise is only half the story; vision, perseverance, ethics, and teamwork complete the picture.
Seeing It All in Action: Hiranandani Powai
At the Hiranandani Powai construction site, students observed high-rises rising methodically, with workers following safety protocols and well-being measures. They witnessed quality control, equipment use, and live project management — all reinforcing that infrastructure is as much about people as it is about concrete and steel.
Perspective Beyond the Classroom
By the end of the tour, students weren’t just memorizing facts; they were building understanding. Career decisions, visionary projects, innovation, mentorship, and sustainability were seen as a continuous journey.
Standing atop Mumbai’s bustling cityscape, students realized that civil engineering is about curiosity, courage, teamwork, and dedication. From highways spanning states to green skyscrapers, they understood that influence is created brick by brick, choice by choice, and that the future is theirs to shape with awareness, integrity, and effort.
