My Journey of growth and purpose


In the year 2017 I completed PhD in the Department of Mechanical Engineering from NIT Srinagar. Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh from the department of Mechanical Engineering and Prof. M. A. Shah from the department of Physics were my main guide and co guide respectively. I joined SSM College of Engineering as Principal immediately after completion of my PhD. The significant transition from being a researcher to leading an institution was challenging. 

The company of educated individuals like seasoned professors influences your holistic growth. Many people who notice the calmness and composure in my demeanor often attribute it to the lasting impact of my mentors, guides, and teachers.

It was indeed a matter of great honour for me to work with the experienced faculty members of Mechanical engineering at NIT Srinagar where every member taught me something valuable.

The life at NIT campus was vibrant. The years spent at NIT meant were intellectually stimulating.

It was always going to be tough to adjust to a new environment at SSM College. A difficult aspect was to commute the long distance from my home to the campus. It was a test to my stamina and mental vigor.

At NIT during our PhD the director himself  would begin his lecture at 8.30 AM.

Such practices inspired me. Therefore I tried to bring same dedication to SSM. I often quoted the values and leadership style of Prof. Rajat Gupta and Prof. Rakesh Sehgal in my lectures to students and faculty, highlighting their professional grit and dynamism.

Prof. G. A. Hermain left a lasting impression with his teaching style, deep knowledge, and pedagogy. I would narrate his methods to students to instill in them the essence of effective learning. Teaching, thus, was never the challenge for me. What I had to learn was administration acumen—communicating effectively, making decisions, and navigating institutional systems.

In this regard, I received invaluable guidance from Mr. Adil Naqash (KAS), former Additional Deputy Commissioner of Anantnag, whose support helped me navigate many administrative hurdles.

In a significant decision we decided to go for NAAC accreditation. Initially, there was resistance from some employees who showed complete negativity towards the idea. Motivating them was a test of leadership. During those days, especially post-abrogation of Article 370 and through the COVID-19 period, we would start our day at 6:00 AM, reach college before 7:00 AM, and leave after 8:00 PM—often just to ensure we beat curfew timings.

We worked consistently as a team and finally bagged a B+ grade. This was appreciated by all stakeholders. The alumni felt proud due to the positive transformation in the institution.

Earlier SSM was lead by a legendary figure Prof. Nazir Ahmad Shah who had set high standards. Living upto his potential was a challenge.

The response shown by the management was very encouraging. I would often seek support for infrastructure building and lab upgradation.

Dr. Qazi Shabir and Mrs. Dilafrose Qazi proved to be leaders with vision. They wholeheartedly welcomed positive change.

Another goal achieved by the team was applying for UGC 2f status followed by applying for autonomous status in February 2025 which proved out to be a turning point for the college. Prof. M. A. Shah once again emerged as a pillar of support—his unwavering help to both me and the institution was nothing short of a blessing.

The cooperative attitude of officials at the University of Kashmir, especially Deans like Prof. Sahaf, Prof. Khurshid Bhat, Prof. F. A. Masoudi, Prof. Peerzada Sharifudin, Prof. S. M. A. Andrabi, and Prof. Gowhar Wakil was encouraging. 

Dr. Sajad Hussain Deen


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