Prof. Mini Shaji Thomas: The Powerhouse Behind NIT Trichy’s Rise
Prof. Mini Shaji Thomas (1986/MT/EE) is a trailblazer in engineering education and leadership, having broken barriers as the first woman Director of NIT Tiruchirappalli and now serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology at Jamia Millia Islamia. A Distinguished Alumna Awardee from IIT Madras, she has made significant strides in academia, research, and institutional development, championing innovation, strategic growth, and inclusivity. From establishing state-of-the-art SCADA and smart grid laboratories to spearheading transformative policies in technical education, her contributions have left a lasting impact on both students and the engineering community.
With a career spanning leadership roles, groundbreaking research, and a deep commitment to mentoring the next generation, Prof. Mini continues to shape the landscape of engineering education in India. Recognized among the ‘100 Most Influential Women Leaders of 2025’ by BW Business World, she exemplifies resilience, vision, and excellence. Here’s Prof Mini Shaji, taking us through her inspiring life journey.
On Shattering Glass Ceilings in Academia
1. As the first Woman Director of NIT Trichy, you broke significant barriers. What were some of the challenges you faced, and how did you navigate them?
I knew that Nit Trichy was the best NIT and that was intimidating. I was actually scared as I was not sure if I could handle it. I was wondering how would the people be, as I knew no one. So, instead of calling a meeting of all Faculty and addressing them, I decided to visit the Departments and meet people in smaller groups for a personal connect- and I think it worked. I could instantly connect with everyone.
There were many legacy issues including no recruitment and promotions for almost 10 years for Faculty & even for Staff. Recruitment rules got framed and we could promote most of the existing Faculty and recruit 120 new Faculty in two phases, with 31% Women in a Tech Institute.
We had no Chairperson BoG for almost 4 years of my tenure. I could manage the BoG, Finance Committee & Senate meetings well and lead the Institute to improve the NIRF rankings from 12th to 8th in Engineering and from 34th to 21st in overall. We created a strategic planning group and developed a 5-year and 25-year strategic plan in consultation with all stakeholders and launched it with specific Metrix, targets/goals, and a definite implementation plan in 2018 with five key focus areas- Teaching-learning, Research, Collaborations, Governance, Perception Improvement & Infrastructure development. We gave targets to Departments for each parameter, visits by the Director to every Department every semester, class visits, recognition of excellence of Faculty and students, all this really worked.
I got a lot of respect. You have to show thorough professionalism. Have meetings on time anda well set agenda, advance preparation for each meeting, and make unbiased, data-driven decisions. Follow up on each and every matter, meeting with all stakeholders, careful listening, and action on the issues, all this helped immensely.
I am quite happy and content with my 5-year stint at NIT Trichy, it was a lot of hard work, however, the results were so encouraging and satisfying. It was worth the effort!
2. As the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering & Technology at Jamia Millia Islamia, you’ve introduced new B.Tech programs aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. What role do you see innovation playing in shaping future engineering education, particularly for women in STEM?
Innovation and multidisciplinarity are the pillars of NEP 2020 and at Jamia, we revamped the Engineering curriculum in alignment with the NEP giving more emphasis to innovation, creativity, and options for Minors and Honors. Women students are doing extremely well and are innovating and winning awards in many competitions/hackathons.
On Going Down the Memory Lane
3. What was the IIT Madras campus like during your time here, and how do you feel it has evolved over the years?
IITM Campus was great in the 1980s, with all the greenery, so I felt at home, being from Kerala. I came back to the campus after 25 years to admit my son for B Tech, in 2011 and was very impressed to see the greenery still intact. Gajendra circle, the buses, monkeys and deer…are all the same. OAT movies on Saturdays were much awaited during my student days, which I think still continues.
Many things have changed too, we had only Sarayu when I studied, now you have two more hostels for girls. With Multidisciplinary Centres, Research Park, classroom complexes, improved sports facilities etc, the Institute looks impressive.
4. Could you share some of your most memorable experiences during your time at IIT Madras, both academically and personally?
Till I reached IITM, I thought I was the best, as I topped all my examinations. However, at IITM I saw talent from all over India and this made me work harder to maintain my first rank, which I did. This feeling that you have to work hard to be on top, is staying with me, forever. The IITM stint taught me to work hard, enjoy doing research, be disciplined, and to multitask!
Also taught me to be responsible, with the freedom you enjoy, away from home, with lots of money to splurge! We had a handsome scholarship of Rs 1000/ month in 1984! I learned how to manage money and also how to splurge. I still have the Kancheevarams I bought from Kumaran Silks in 1985 with my scholarship money!
Mardigras (now Saarang) was an absolute delight to enjoy and an eye-opener for me, coming from a rural background. The nature, lakes, deer, monkeys…eating away my birthday cake, as we forgot to lock the balcony door.
On Inspirations and Legacy
5. What is the one legacy you hope to leave behind in academia and leadership?
Innovative & Motivating Teacher, at the same time, Empowered & Honest Academic Leader
6. Who were your role models or mentors on your journey, and how did they shape your perspective as a leader and educator?
My parents are my role models. They o were both teachers and taught me the value of being upright, honest, the value of merit and giving back to society. My husband and in-laws gave me unstinted support in my journey, and provided me the environment to grow. I have two mentors, one from Academia and another from Industry, both my IEEE colleagues, stationed in the USA, who really help me navigate the troubled waters of the profession.
I greatly appreciate Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam and Shri. N R Narayana Murthy for their values, which has inspired me as a leader. Prof. Surendra Prasad, former Director of IIT Delhi and Prof. K P Issac, the former VC of A.P.J Abdul Kalam University have really helped me to understand the nuances of Academic leadership.
As the Director of NIT Trichy or now as the Dean at Jamia, the decisions I take are data-driven, as per rules and on merit, as I don’t let anyone influence my decisions.
