Women are powerful agents of change, and the far-reaching benefits of diversity and gender parity in leadership and decision-making are increasingly recognized in all spheres. Still, women continue to be vastly under-represented in decision-making in politics, businesses, and communities. But, one sector where women have always had an upper hand and will continue to have one in the coming future as well – the field of education, has always seen women leaders outshine in all domains and their innumerable contributions to this very sector are always worth mentioning about. Therefore, taking up this gigantic task of guiding the whole nation out of negative stereotypes and towards a gender-neutral state of opportunities and growth for all, women education leaders over the years have given in more than their best towards societal upliftment.
One such personality who has managed to stay, grow and become a leader, in turn, motivating successful lifetimes – Dr. Kamal Shah has involved herself along with other women leaders of our country, with a clear aim of transforming and creating a human resource adaptable to the modern global world. Thoroughly understanding the likes and dislikes of Gen Z, and working relentlessly to link and blend the teaching-learning phenomenon of the 21st century, Dr. Kamal Shah operating as the Dean of R & D at Thakur College of Engineering & Technology, recognizes the importance of research, and thereby, always initiates and aspires towards producing creative and imaginative minds.
A keen education lover from her early years, she pursued her B.E in Electrical from Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Regional Engg College and passed out in flying colors. Furthermore, her immense love for the field of research and development pushed her to continue in her educational pursuits and she ended by completing her doctorate in the year 2010, from SVKM’s NMIMS University. Her educational qualifications go beyond certain degrees, as she is a proud diploma holder of a globally recognized – “Open Learning Program in Entrepreneurship”, sponsored by Friedrich-Naumann-Stiftung (FNSt), Germany from EDII – Ahmedabad. She also is a certified examiner for several internal ISO Audits and for IMC Ram Krishna Bajaj Quality Awards.
Igniting young minds
“The whole motto of R & D is to guide fresh minds to focus their research skills to create the best form of technology needed for human excellence”, stated – Dr. Kamal Shah, enunciating how she heads the R & D department at TCET, guiding young engineers, converting them into creative and innovative thinkers. Additionally, envisioned towards becoming a hotspot for R & D activities, all the modern-day ICT-enabled facilities and amenities have been established on the campus of TCET in collaboration with top corporates such as Tata Technologies, Intel (USA), Texas Instruments (USA), and many more, and Dr. Kamal has had a major influence in building this strong industry-academia connect existing at the engineering college. Also, having keen interest in developing young entrepreneurs as nation builders she has started an in-house incubation facility in 2014 with one alumni student which has grown now into Fulfulde incubation centre and till date, 25 start-ups have been incubated so far. The Incubation centre, which is supported by whole Ecosystem for start-up support, thereby, TCET results in having a start up failure rate of less than 5% against the global rate of 40%.
Furthermore, she has worked hard with her team with a goal of enhancing entrepreneurial culture in the institute, where big successes got registered last year when 10 campus companies got established on campus, by the students from Second and Third year of engineering. Also, she facilitates smooth operation of the on-campus Incubation Center,, facilitating a big step towards Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Dr. Kamal has also designed a new framework for teaching learning for 21st century graduates called OUTCOME BASED ACADEMIC RESEARCH, where faculty and students can do research without putting secondary efforts, which has come with great reviews from many faculty members.
Dr. Shah stated – “The performance of any R & D center is measured in terms of publications, patents, hosting conferences/seminars, funding received and industrial consultancy”, and thereby, Dr. Shah has made it her duty to take strong steps to achieve these targets at TCET, continually moving towards further success in this domain. Being an expert researcher herself, she acts as a vital inspiration and an epitome of constant dedication, nurturing and encouraging everyone present at the institute, to outperform on all walks of life.
Redefining achievements
All in all, an all-rounded personality of great traits, Dr. Kamal Shah gives all the due credit of her success filled life to her husband and her 2 kids. Also, in an open message she invites all engineering aspirants to take part in the process of nation-building, by inculcating a strong interest in the field of R & D. Working day-in and day-out towards unleashing hidden talents and enhancing existing skills, she inspires thousands every day to contribute their ideas, and grow as holistic human beings.
An individual who has several awards and recognitions to her credit, she also has played a role of a subject expert on several occasions and is a regular participant in inter-college and university events, where students look forward to getting the best out of her. Lastly, by curating a culture filled with modern technology and effective day-to-day governance, Dr. Kamal Shah in association with TCET has been carving out a niche for themselves and based on the dedication they have towards society, that day isn’t far when TCET would be easily lauded as one of the leading engineering colleges of Maharashtra & India.
