Effective leadership is a cornerstone in driving academic excellence and improving learning outcomes in engineering institutions. Even though many principals exhibit exceptional leadership qualities that significantly impact student development and academic success. However, bridging the gap in perceptions between faculty and students remains essential to cultivating a cohesive and dynamic learning environment.
This is where visionary leaders like Dr. Nirmal Kannan V truly make a difference. As the principal of Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai, Dr. Kannan exemplifies the qualities of an inspiring leader, guiding the institution to new heights. His leadership goes beyond academic administration—he nurtures engineering students to evolve not only as skilled problem-solvers but also as future leaders who mirror his own dedication and vision.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the institution’s growth and the transformative impact of his leadership, Dr. Kannan is proudly honored with the ‘Most Prominent Principal of the Year 2024 in Higher Education’ at the Education Excellence Awards. His achievements stand as a testament to the power of effective leadership in shaping the future of engineering education.
A Visionary Leader
With 20 years of teaching experience and 8 years as a principal, Dr. Nirmal Kannan V has consistently demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth. Under his leadership, V.S.B. Engineering College, Karur was propelled into the Top 10 engineering colleges in Tamil Nadu, securing 3rd rank in the state with a 93.47% pass rate in Anna University examinations. Similarly, at Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Kilakarai, he led the institution to achieve 1st rank across 23 districts and 33rd rank among 450+ engineering colleges affiliated with Anna University in the Nov/Dec 2023 examinations.
Dr. Kannan has been instrumental in securing prestigious accreditations and rankings for both institutions. He achieved autonomous status for V.S.B. Engineering College for 10 years (2022-2032) and replicated this success at Mohamed Sathak Engineering College for the 2024-2034 period. His efforts also earned NBA accreditation for all six eligible undergraduate programs at V.S.B. Engineering College and for CSE and IT at Mohamed Sathak. V.S.B. Engineering College further received an NAAC A+ grade and ISO 9001:2015 certification, while securing permanent affiliation for five major programs.
In the realm of placements, Dr. Kannan’s strategies yielded remarkable results, with 1,938 job offers secured in 2023 from top MNCs like TCS, Capgemini, Accenture, Wipro, and DXC Technologies. His focus on research and development attracted ₹1.2 crore in research funding and led to research center recognition for multiple departments at both colleges.
Defying Expectations
As the Principal of Mohamed Sathak Engineering College, Dr. Nirmal Kannan V faced several significant challenges, particularly due to the institution’s rural setting. Many students entered with average or below-average academic performance, which made it difficult to prepare them to compete with their urban peers in terms of placements and professional readiness. To address this, Dr. Kannan introduced mentoring programs, bridge courses, and skill development sessions, along with creating opportunities for industry interactions.
Another major challenge was recruiting and retaining skilled faculty in a rural environment. Dr. Kannan tackled this by offering flexible working conditions, implementing collaborative teaching approaches, and providing performance-based incentives to attract and retain top talent. Additionally, fostering a supportive and harmonious work environment was key to his leadership strategy.
Fostering Academic Excellence and Industry Readiness
Dr. Nirmal Kannan V has implemented a strategic, target-based system to foster innovation and academic excellence at Mohamed Sathak Engineering College. Regular reviews are conducted during fortnightly executive meetings, with daily morning and evening sessions led by Dr. Kannan himself. These practices are mirrored by department heads to ensure transparency and consistent progress across all academic activities. To support underperforming students, initiatives such as retests for failed Internal Assessment Tests (IAT), special coaching sessions, and peer learning systems—where top-performing students mentor their peers—have been introduced. Additionally, Dr. Kannan promotes a culture of recognition by awarding certificates and prizes based on students’ IAT and model exam performances. The introduction of club activities on Saturdays and the inclusion of physical education hours further contribute to holistic student development.
To strengthen industry-academia collaboration and ensure students are industry-ready, Dr. Kannan has established partnerships with prominent institutions and organizations. This includes MOUs with IIT Bombay, Gandhigram University, HCL, Guvi Technologies, and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University. Collaborations with the IIT Research Park in Chennai have attracted numerous industries to engage with the college, offering students exposure to real-world applications. Furthermore, Dr. Kannan has encouraged entrepreneurial initiatives, leading to the establishment of three startups on campus. His Women Initiative Program provides workspace for young women from rural areas, fostering inclusivity and innovation.
On a Personal Front
Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Nirmal Kannan V emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance through a disciplined routine. His day begins with morning meditation and an hour-long walk, promoting both mental clarity and physical well-being. A passionate reader, he dedicates 30 minutes daily to reading, broadening his knowledge beyond academics. Additionally, Dr. Kannan enjoys playing shuttle badminton for an hour each day, combining fitness with recreation. His commitment to health extends to following a personalized natural diet plan, reflecting his holistic approach to wellness.
Looking ahead, Dr. Kannan envisions further growth in both his personal and professional life. His ultimate goal is to become the Vice Chancellor of Mohamed Sathak Deemed-to-be University, where he aims to continue his mission of academic excellence, leadership, and institutional development.
