In every great educational institution, there exist individuals whose vision, integrity, and relentless pursuit of excellence shape not only the academic landscape but also the very character of the institution itself. Such academicians serve as guiding lights — bridging the worlds of knowledge and innovation, inspiring students through both intellect and example, and redefining the true purpose of education as service to society. They do not merely teach; they nurture curiosity, build institutions, and create ecosystems where ideas grow into impactful realities. Our Alma Mater, since its inception as the Regional Engineering College (REC) in 1960, has been shaped by a distinguished fraternity of teachers and scholars whose intellect, integrity, and sense of purpose laid the foundation of its academic excellence. The learned and distinguished faculty of NIT Srinagar have nurtured not only brilliant engineers, innovators, and leaders but also responsible citizens who carry the institute’s values into every sphere of life. Carrying this proud legacy forward, the present faculty continue to embody the same spirit of innovation, commitment, and service — upholding the ideals that have long defined NIT Srinagar’s identity as a centre of learning and transformation. At the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar, one such distinguished academician is Prof. (Dr.) M. A. Shah, Dean Alumni and International Affairs and Former Head, Department of Physics. A scientist of remarkable depth, an educationist of uncommon dedication, and an administrator of vision and integrity, Prof. Shah’s contributions have left an enduring imprint on the institute’s academic, and global engagement frontiers.

Academic Background and Research Prowess

Holding a Ph.D. in Physics, Prof. Shah has dedicated over 25 years to advancing scientific knowledge both in India and abroad. His research specializations include Nanomaterials and their applications, Semiconductors, and Supercapacitors, with a sustained focus on the frontiers of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. He is the author of ten books and more than 150 SCI-indexed research publications in highly respected scientific journals.
Through his work, he has played a pivotal role in developing nanotechnology education and research in the region. His pioneering studies on the soft synthesis of nanomaterials — a gentle yet effective method for creating advanced materials — are widely recognized for both their scientific rigour and their relevance to sustainable material development. Prof. Shah firmly believes that sharing scientific resources and expertise democratizes knowledge, enabling research to serve society more directly, particularly in regions where access to advanced facilities has traditionally been limited. His leadership in securing major research grants has positioned NIT Srinagar as a rising hub of advanced research.

Academic Innovation and Mentorship

Prof. Shah’s most enduring contribution lies in his commitment to academic reform and innovation. Under his leadership, the Department of Physics at NIT Srinagar became one of the first among all NITs — and the very first in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir — to comprehensively revamp and modernize its curriculum in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The redesigned programme harmonizes core specializations with interdisciplinary flexibility, offering students a curriculum comparable to premier institutions such as IITs and other NITs. It encourages independent thinking, critical inquiry, and creative experimentation — nurturing young minds to become both scientists and problem-solvers. For Prof. Shah, education is not merely the transmission of knowledge; it is the awakening of curiosity and conscience together. His mentorship continues to inspire students to think beyond the classroom and to engage in the noble pursuit of discovery with integrity and purpose.

Foundational Role in Institutional Growth

Prof. Shah’s vision extends beyond teaching into institution-building. He founded the Laboratory for Multifunctional Nanomaterials (LMN) — the first of its kind in Jammu & Kashmir — equipped with advanced instrumentation including X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and several other high-end facilities. Under his stewardship, the Department of Physics now houses seven state-of-the-art laboratories equipped with sophisticated instruments procured through prestigious national funding schemes such as the Nano-Mission, FIST Programme, and other initiatives of the Government of India. The department’s inclusion in the i-STEM and STUTE programme by the Ministry of Science and Technology stands as testimony to his leadership and commitment to scientific excellence. These facilities have been opened to students and researchers across the nation for summer and winter internships — reflecting his inclusive vision that science must be shared, not confined.

Interdisciplinary Research and Global Collaboration

In alignment with the spirit of NEP 2020, Prof. Shah has consistently emphasized interdisciplinary research as the key to future scientific progress. His leadership has catalysed the organization of major academic events such as the International Conference on Nanotechnology for Better Living (NBL-Series), Short-Term Courses on Smart Devices, and three STUTI programmes sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), New Delhi. These platforms have brought together eminent scientists, young researchers, and students from across continents — fostering collaboration, dialogue, and the exchange of transformative ideas on the emerging challenges of the 21st century. His ability to bridge theoretical insight with technological relevance continues to elevate NIT Srinagar’s research ecosystem. Prof. Shah was ranked among the top 2% of scientists worldwide, as per a global study conducted by Stanford University — an acknowledgment that underscores both his scientific influence and NIT Srinagar’s expanding presence in international research. He is among eight eminent faculty members from the institute who have earned this distinction — a collective testament to NIT Srinagar’s rising research profile and intellectual leadership.

Administrative Vision and Alumni Engagement

As Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. Shah has strengthened NIT Srinagar’s relationship with its vast alumni network spread across the globe. He is deeply engaged in revitalising the Alumni Association, expanding collaborations, and fostering academia–industry partnerships. Echoing his deep belief in the power of alumni engagement, Prof. Shah often reflects — in his own words of conviction and clarity — on the essence of institutional growth: The vision to nurture, strengthen, and deepen the timeless bond between the National Institute of Technology Srinagar (erstwhile REC Srinagar) and its illustrious alumni is no longer a distant ideal — it is steadily becoming a vibrant reality. With profound gratitude to Prof. B. K. Kanaujia, Director, NIT Srinagar, for entrusting me with this responsibility, I have embraced this mission with a shared sense of purpose — anchored in gratitude and inspired by a bold imagination for what lies ahead. With renewed commitment — shaping a future where alumni engagement is not episodic but intrinsic, woven into the very fabric of our academic DNA. Our alumni are not merely graduates of this institution; they are lifelong stakeholders, ambassadors of change, and torchbearers of the spirit that defines NIT Srinagar.” Among the most transformative avenues of engagement lies philanthropy. Alumni-led giving — whether directed toward specific academic programmes or holistic institutional growth — has the power to alter the trajectory of our collective journey. Imagine endowments that create scholarships for underprivileged students, support frontier research, or establish world-class centres in semiconductors, clean energy, AI, quantum technologies, or climate resilience.
Such initiatives extend beyond individual research — they foster innovation, opportunity, and societal well-being. They embody our alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and reaffirm our shared commitment to equity, sustainability, and inclusive growth — values that echo both our national aspirations and the universal quest for a sustainable future.

Scholarship, Communication, and Recognition

Prof. Shah’s eloquence as a speaker and science communicator has earned him wide recognition and invitations to deliver keynote addresses at prestigious scientific conferences. His writings and lectures reflect not only scholarly depth but also his conviction that science must remain connected to humanity’s collective concerns. Recipient of numerous honours, awards, and citations, he is widely respected for his humility, discipline, and integrity. Colleagues and students often remark, with admiration and affection, that “Nanomaterials run through Shah’s blood” — a phrase that beautifully captures his lifelong devotion to the discipline. Prof. M. A. Shah’s journey is one of purpose, perseverance, and passion — a rare confluence of scientific brilliance and human warmth. His life’s work stands as a testament to what a committed academician can achieve when scholarship becomes a mission and leadership becomes a service. Guided by the vision and contributions of academicians like him, may NIT Srinagar continue to shine ever brighter on the national and global map of excellence — nurturing an education that unites knowledge with virtue, science with conscience, and progress with purpose. A visionary academician, passionate educationist, and devoted researcher, whose life exemplifies perseverance, innovation, and transformative leadership, continues inspiring generations through scholarship, mentorship, and institution-building. Through the academic excellence and inspiring leadership of such academicians, we are reminded that true education lies not merely in acquiring knowledge but in embodying it — becoming examples and role models who awaken in students the pursuit of enlightenment with honesty, curiosity, and courage, so that learning may transcend mere utility and become a lifelong illumination for humanity.

Email:----------------------------------shah@nitsri.ac.in